Thread by @SlowwCo

What is the Four Burners Theory?

(THREAD)

The symbolic stovetop includes four burners for:

1. Family
2. Friends
3. Health
4. Work

As the theory goes, you have to cut 1 burner to be successful.

Cut 2 burners to be really successful.

At it's heart, it's meant to be an exercise in trade-offs and priorities.

"Essentially, we are forced to choose.

Would you rather live a life that is unbalanced, but high-performing in a certain area?

Or would you rather live a life that is balanced, but never maximizes your potential in a given quadrant?"

— James Clear

James Clear offers 3 options:

1. Outsource burners
2. Embrace your constraints / limitations
3. Break your life into seasons of imbalance

John Richardson believes we should consider a 5th, central burner:

"In our analogy, the central burner is purpose. The stovetop griddle is a balanced life."

Another way to think about the burners:

Instead of family / friends / health / work, list your life roles (e.g. spouse, parent, athlete, etc).

Whether you want to pick 4, 5, or more, the challenge is to narrow down the list of roles you play in life so you can play them well.

"Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls…

1. Work
2. Family
3. Health
4. Friends
5. Integrity

Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls … are made of glass."

— James Patterson

The Four Burners Theory: Defining Your Life Roles & Priorities

sloww.co/four-burners-t…