The "52Notatki" (52 Notes) newsletter celebrates its fourth anniversary. This update provides a retrospective on the project’s growth, a curated list of the most popular articles, and a significant announcement regarding the future of the publication.

Key Statistics and Philosophy

Over the past four years, 208 editions have been published every Saturday morning without fail. The newsletter has grown organically to 23,000 email subscribers (a 35% annual increase) and generates over 170,000 monthly online views. The author emphasizes an anti-algorithm approach, likening the newsletter to a "small restaurant in a side street" that serves only authentic content he would consume himself, avoiding clickbait and trending news.

Top Editions of the Year

Based on views and engagement, the top articles from the last 12 months include:

• Annual Time Review: A guide to regaining control over one’s life.
• How Not to Be Stupid: Discussing the mental model of avoiding negative traits to achieve positive outcomes (e.g., avoiding waste to save time).
• Decision Debt: How to pay it off before it becomes overwhelming.
• Three Ways to Be a Millionaire: An "inverted clickbait" article offering genuine value rather than get-rich-quick schemes.
• Childhood Imprints: A reflection on limiting beliefs acquired in youth.
• The Luck Factor: realizations on privilege after visiting Thailand.
• The End of the Knowledge Scarcity Era: Addressing the shift in how we access information.

The Final Countdown

The author applies Parkinson’s Law to his projects, believing time limits increase quality. Originally planned for one year, then three, the project was extended to five years. The upcoming fifth year is expected to be the last. The goal is to make the final 52 issues the best yet, involving a focus on independence and the cessation of external collaborations to prioritize content quality.

Behind the Scenes

Every issue is written "just in time," usually finished late Friday night. This pressure ensures the content feels fresh and polished. The author writes from various locations, including cafes and airports. A notable anecdote involves finishing an issue on "Cargo Cults" at the Hong Kong airport without internet, uploading it moments before boarding a flight.

Mentoring question

If you placed a strict expiration date on your current major project or career role, how would that constraint alter your priorities and the quality of your work today?

Source: https://52notatki.substack.com/p/ostatnie-52-notatki-i-top-7-wydan