A stick figure lifts a barbell over its head. It’s struggling due to the weight. The bar is bending with three plate weights on each side. The inner most weight is largest, the middle weight is smaller, and the outer weight is smallest, indicating different weights of each plate. There are wing clips outside of the smallest weights, keeping the plates in place. The stick figure is looking up and its mouth is open in shock. It’s worried the bar might snap in two. The figure’s back is arched and its knees are bent. Wavy lines imply the figure’s knees and back are shaking under the heavy weight.

What makes it worth the weight

February 22, 2026Leave a comment

Insight on purpose and perspective from a personal trainer. In 672 words on The Davis Daily.

This is an image of a green curtain. The curtain is hung by a yellow curtain rod, which curves around to the right. The curtain hangs down and has several wrinkles in it. The wrinkles give the curtain depth, while darker green along many of the creases add shadows. The left side of the curtain is pulled back at the lower edge, revealing the back of a person. It looks like the person is hiding behind the curtain. They’re wearing a brown blazer, brown pants, and black dress shoes. Only a third of the person is visible. Their upper body and head are still tucked behind the curtain out of view.

The wizard or the sweaty guy behind the curtain

February 15, 20261 Comment

Be the character you were born to play: a lesson in acceptance from funny fellow Jim Carrey. In 692 words on The Davis Daily.

This is a sketch of Kenny, a character from the adult cartoon South Park. Kenny is wearing an orange parka. His hood is up with brown fur around the edges. The hood is drawn tightly around his face, with only his two large, round eyes visible. Very little of his light-coloured face can be seen and his mouth is completely covered. His eyes appear to be bulging, as if Kenny is in fear. He’s wearing brown gloves and brown boots. Kenny is standing still, facing straight ahead, like he’s looking at you.

OMG, they’re killing creativity!

February 8, 2026Leave a comment

Say no to generative AI: a lesson in human creativity from the creators of South Park. In 941 words on The Davis Daily.

This is a flat, black-and-whilte line drawing of a person. The drawing is one continuous line, never breaking to draw another part of the person’s body. They have their back to you with their arms raised over their head. Each hand rests upon the top of the person’s head. It’s as though they are in disbelief. Or like they’re shocked, having come to some sort of deep realization.

Always in my way

December 23, 2025December 23, 20252 Comments

The moment I realized the problem was me: 454 words about being in my own way.

This is a minimalist black-and-white line drawing of a balance scale or seesaw. A long, thin horizontal plank rests on a triangular fulcrum in the centre. The plank is slightly tilted, with the left side raised and the right side lowered, suggesting imbalance. Small motion lines appear near both ends of the plank, implying gentle wobbling or instability. The triangular base sits firmly beneath the centre point, with stress lines along the edges from the weight of the plank.

In moderation

December 18, 20251 Comment

A search for the sweet spot: the clichés of living life in moderation. In 334 words on The Davis Daily.

At least this habit stuck

June 1, 2025May 30, 2025Leave a comment

Read Issue 61 of Life: Under Construction, a fortnightly newsletter by The Davis Daily. Join the crew for 15 interesting things about growth and creativity, wealth and wellness.

The Davis Daily

A blog about life: under construction

Tag: Professional Development