#ThirstyThursday Issue #221

The Assist Newsletter
February 4, 2026
Cartoon characters shaped like numbers play instruments on a stage with the headline “I started a band called 404.” Bright colors and musical notes add a playful, humorous tone.

Click the image for the punchline 👆.

Today’s Checklist:

  • Why we procrastinate and how to fix it
  • 8 traits to look for in every high performer
  • How to show up on the new LinkedIn algorithm
  • Can you train yourself to read faster?

QUICK LINKS

🧠 These 8 tips will set you up for success as a new manager.

💳 Employee gift cards that hit right for any occasion.

💸 Tap into “rich girl” energy and rethink how you approach wealth.

👀 Getting older doesn’t mean fading out — this essay explores beauty, aging, and self-acceptance.

NEUROSCIENCE

A desk with multiple devices shows a laptop, tablet, and notebook while text mentions brain chemicals responsible for procrastination. The workspace looks tidy with shelves and tech in the background.

The Scientific Reasoning For Your Procrastination And How To Fix It

 

Takeaways:

  • Dopamine drives your reward system. When scrolling feels better than working, try boosting dopamine naturally with exercise, sunlight, or foods like bananas and green tea.
  • Low serotonin can tank your mood and motivation. A simple fix: take a nature walk, practice gratitude, or spend a few minutes in the sun.
  • Norepinephrine fuels focus. If you’re struggling to concentrate, try short bursts of stress like a quick workout or cold shower to kickstart alertness.

Watch the IG video.

AI CONTENT CREATION

A desktop monitor mockup displays a five-star customer review from Jonathan Metoyer praising Story’s ideas, editing, and service. The background fades from blue to purple with the “Customer Review” title at the top.

Creating Content Requires Support, Not Just Ideas

 

Most people don’t struggle to start content. You record a few videos, feel good about the direction, and then other priorities begin competing for your attention. Storyy fills the gap between motivation and consistent execution.

A dedicated team edits your videos to fit your brand, prepares captions, and keeps everything moving without getting stuck in revisions or delays. And if you want it fully hands off, Account Management means Storyy also handles posting and scheduling, so content continues without you needing to stay on top of it.

Get a free 1:1 content strategy consult with Storyy

LEADERSHIP

A handwritten note lists eight traits like grit, resourcefulness, optimism, and growth mindset in numbered sections. The page looks like a photographed notebook with pen writing and bullet points.

8 Rare Traits Of High Performers

 

Takeaways:

  • Skills get people in the door, but traits like grit, resourcefulness, and optimism are what actually move the business forward.
  • Culture matters; look for people who are fun to be around, open to feedback, and don’t drain the team, no matter how qualified they are.
  • The strongest hires take ownership. They don’t wait to be told what to do. They figure it out, follow through, and lift others as they go.

Read all 8 traits on LinkedIn.

MARKETING

A webpage headline reads “The LinkedIn Algorithm Changed Again. Here’s What’s New For 2026” with an author photo below. The layout resembles an online article with a clean white interface.

How To Show Up On The New LI Algorithm

 

Takeaways:

  • LinkedIn’s algorithm checks your profile for authority, so if your headline, summary, and experience aren’t clear, your reach will suffer.
  • Saves matter more than likes. Focus on posts people want to revisit. Think playbooks, frameworks, or insights worth bookmarking.
  • Forget the “best time to post” myth. The algorithm rewards consistency, not lucky timing. Show up regularly in high-value formats like short carousels that people actually finish.

Learn more on LinkedIn.

UPCOMING WEBINAR

Blue-to-purple gradient banner showing a custom Nike sneaker and the headline “Win a pair of custom Nikes!” promoting an EasyLlama virtual compliance event. The date and callout text sit on the right against the colorful background.

Why Most Compliance Training Misses the Mark

 

Training works best when it’s built around the people doing the work.That’s what this session covers.

Join EasyLlama on February 11 for a live webinar, Compliance Customized to You, By You.

Their team will walk you through how to create personalized, scalable compliance and security training, built around your people, roles, and regulations.

Bonus: in honor of “customization”, one lucky attendee will win a fully customized pair of Nikes.

👟 Save your seat now.

MINDSET

A black screen reads “Can you read 900 words per minute? Try it.” with the word “reading” stylized below. A play button overlay sits centered on the dark background.

Can You Train Your Brain To Read Faster?

 

Takeaways:

  • The average reading speed is 200–300 words per minute, but speed readers can go far beyond that by training their brains, not just their eyes.
  • Techniques like reducing subvocalization and scanning text in chunks help you process information faster without losing comprehension.
  • Speed reading isn’t just about going faster, it’s about improving focus and efficiency. Try it and see how much more your brain can handle.

Try it yourself on IG.

STAFF PICKS

Stuff We’re Loving This Week

 

👉 This must-attend event on 3/5 features Scott Galloway and OpenAI’s Head of AI Strategy. RSVP free.

🍋 Dark spots and texture, meet your match. Add glow with this AHA liquid exfoliant.

🚿 Shower concerts just got an upgrade.

🦵 Kristel swears by it: the vibration plate for a quick at-home sweat.

JUST FOR FUN

A man holds a microphone on stage with the caption “Responding to my haters” overlaid in bold red text. The background is dark, spotlighting his face in profile.

COMMUNITY

📆 Upcoming Events

Smart Girl Society is our private community for women who want deeper conversations, accountability, and tools that actually make life easier. Join the waitlist to get in the next round.

💼 Browse our job board here.

SPILL THE TEA

Have more feedback? 💌 Reply to this email and tell us.

P.S. Want more inspiration and positivity to kick off your week? Sign up for our Motivational Monday texts (U.S. only).

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