You've only got so much to give.
Be it physically or mentally, in the end, we all have our limits.
As we try to push ourselves toward maximum output, we end up experiencing an adverse effect.
In an effort to do more, we accomplish less.
Be it physically or mentally, in the end, we all have our limits.
As we try to push ourselves toward maximum output, we end up experiencing an adverse effect.
In an effort to do more, we accomplish less.
According to Ferris, we need to find our "MED" or "Minimum Effective Dose."
Put simply, it's the minimum amount of effort required to achieve our desired result.
In any situation, there comes a point of diminishing returns.
A point where the effort is > the reward.
Put simply, it's the minimum amount of effort required to achieve our desired result.
In any situation, there comes a point of diminishing returns.
A point where the effort is > the reward.
So how do we do it?
Like me, Ferris seems to be a big fan of checklists (and rules).
I like to think of it as "Situational Q&A."
If "A" happens, I'm going to do "B."
Or as Tim puts it, "if this -> then that."
Like me, Ferris seems to be a big fan of checklists (and rules).
I like to think of it as "Situational Q&A."
If "A" happens, I'm going to do "B."
Or as Tim puts it, "if this -> then that."
By creating pre-set rules that govern our lives we drastically reduce the number of decisions that need to be made on a daily basis.
Naturally, when we give ourselves fewer choices, our mental bandwidth increases.
Naturally, when we give ourselves fewer choices, our mental bandwidth increases.
To be clear, the goal is not to make zero decisions.
The goal is to save your mental capacity for the decisions that really matter & standardize the rest.
Think Steve Jobs, black turtleneck.
Every. Day.
Simple, but effective.
One less choice to make.
The goal is to save your mental capacity for the decisions that really matter & standardize the rest.
Think Steve Jobs, black turtleneck.
Every. Day.
Simple, but effective.
One less choice to make.
Why is this so important?
The mind is a muscle.
On one hand, it must be exercised in order to grow.
On the other hand, recovery is also required for any muscle to function at peak levels when called upon.
Your brain is no different.
The mind is a muscle.
On one hand, it must be exercised in order to grow.
On the other hand, recovery is also required for any muscle to function at peak levels when called upon.
Your brain is no different.
If your mind is constantly busy making irrelevant decisions, it will fail when you need it most.
What does failure look like?
Ferris describes failure as creating a lack of mental energy resulting in one of two paths:
1- We take shortcuts & act impulsively.
2- We do nothing.
What does failure look like?
Ferris describes failure as creating a lack of mental energy resulting in one of two paths:
1- We take shortcuts & act impulsively.
2- We do nothing.
Take the example of diet:
Ferris argues that planning out your meals in advance does more than you may think.
Not only does it allow you to make healthier choices, it also decreases the mental effort needed to say "no" when confronted with alternative options.
Ferris argues that planning out your meals in advance does more than you may think.
Not only does it allow you to make healthier choices, it also decreases the mental effort needed to say "no" when confronted with alternative options.
As for path #2...
Doing nothing (AKA procrastinating) obviously requires little to no energy in the current moment.
The problem is, by doing nothing, we're simply kicking the proverbial can down the road.
Putting off until tomorrow, what could be done today.
Doing nothing (AKA procrastinating) obviously requires little to no energy in the current moment.
The problem is, by doing nothing, we're simply kicking the proverbial can down the road.
Putting off until tomorrow, what could be done today.
To summarize:
The goal is to limit the decisions we're making to those that truly require in-depth thought while standardizing the rest.
•Create a routine
•Map out your day
•Build your own set of rules
These are forcing functions for limiting choices & increasing output.
The goal is to limit the decisions we're making to those that truly require in-depth thought while standardizing the rest.
•Create a routine
•Map out your day
•Build your own set of rules
These are forcing functions for limiting choices & increasing output.
As for me...
If you found this helpful, why not share?
• Retweet the first tweet and help others find this thread
• Join 26,000+ of my friends & follow me at @blakeaburge
I write about mental models, productivity, & building a better you.
If you found this helpful, why not share?
• Retweet the first tweet and help others find this thread
• Join 26,000+ of my friends & follow me at @blakeaburge
I write about mental models, productivity, & building a better you.
https://twitter.com/blakeaburge/status/1402371228179091472?s=20
Sources:
Original Transcript from episode 44:
tim.blog/wp-content/upl…
Tim Ferris "Minimal Lifestyle"
tim.blog/2008/02/06/the…
Tim Ferris & Jerry Seinfeld: Perhaps the best podcast episode ever made:
tim.blog/2020/12/08/jer…
Original Transcript from episode 44:
tim.blog/wp-content/upl…
Tim Ferris "Minimal Lifestyle"
tim.blog/2008/02/06/the…
Tim Ferris & Jerry Seinfeld: Perhaps the best podcast episode ever made:
tim.blog/2020/12/08/jer…
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