10 mental concepts that will make you way smarter:
Satisficing vs. Maximizing
Satisficing: Picking the first option that satisfies an acceptable threshold—typically doesn't result in the best solution.
Maximizing: Spending time and effort to ensure you've solved something optimally—typically results in the best solution.
Satisficing: Picking the first option that satisfies an acceptable threshold—typically doesn't result in the best solution.
Maximizing: Spending time and effort to ensure you've solved something optimally—typically results in the best solution.
The Knowing Paradox
The more you admit you don’t know, the more you will know.
It’s the curiosity and humility to admit you don’t know that allows you to ask questions and learn.
Be willing to look dumb in the moment to be smarter tomorrow.
The more you admit you don’t know, the more you will know.
It’s the curiosity and humility to admit you don’t know that allows you to ask questions and learn.
Be willing to look dumb in the moment to be smarter tomorrow.
Good and Bad Procrastination
Good procrastination is avoiding work with 0 chance of being mentioned in your obituary—like errands.
”Unless you're working on the biggest things you could be, you're type-B procrastinating, no matter how much you're getting done.”
h/t @paulg
Good procrastination is avoiding work with 0 chance of being mentioned in your obituary—like errands.
”Unless you're working on the biggest things you could be, you're type-B procrastinating, no matter how much you're getting done.”
h/t @paulg
The Vulnerability Paradox
We believe showing our whole selves will scare others away, when in reality it draws them closer.
The ability to be vulnerable in a world of status games is a superpower.
”Vulnerability is the currency of human connection.”
—Brene Brown
We believe showing our whole selves will scare others away, when in reality it draws them closer.
The ability to be vulnerable in a world of status games is a superpower.
”Vulnerability is the currency of human connection.”
—Brene Brown
Attention Residue
Every time you switch from one task to another, part of your attention remains with one task or your previous task.
This prevents you from concentrating intensely ('deep work') and inhibits overall productivity.
Lesson: Don't multi-task.
Every time you switch from one task to another, part of your attention remains with one task or your previous task.
This prevents you from concentrating intensely ('deep work') and inhibits overall productivity.
Lesson: Don't multi-task.
Nirvana Fallacy
We reject something because it compares poorly to an ideal that in reality is unattainable.
We assume there is a perfect solution to every problem.
Reality is more complicated and trade-offs are abound.
Take the option with the most bearable trade-offs.
We reject something because it compares poorly to an ideal that in reality is unattainable.
We assume there is a perfect solution to every problem.
Reality is more complicated and trade-offs are abound.
Take the option with the most bearable trade-offs.
Introspection Illusion
We think we understand our motivations and desires, our likes and dislikes.
We believe we know ourselves and why we are the way we are.
In reality, when asked to explain our emotional states, we typically make something up.
Dig deeper, reflect more.
We think we understand our motivations and desires, our likes and dislikes.
We believe we know ourselves and why we are the way we are.
In reality, when asked to explain our emotional states, we typically make something up.
Dig deeper, reflect more.
False Dichotomy
A persuasion tactic involving presenting only two options or possibilities when more exist.
The presenter makes the audience believe the options are black or white—not something in between.
Always ask: “Do more choices exist?” when presented binary choices.
A persuasion tactic involving presenting only two options or possibilities when more exist.
The presenter makes the audience believe the options are black or white—not something in between.
Always ask: “Do more choices exist?” when presented binary choices.
The Choice Paradox
The more choices you have, the less happy you are with your final choice.
More choices create more opportunity costs and thoughts of, "I wonder if...?"
To overcome:
Remember that there are infinite ways to achieve a goal, embrace the one you've chosen.
The more choices you have, the less happy you are with your final choice.
More choices create more opportunity costs and thoughts of, "I wonder if...?"
To overcome:
Remember that there are infinite ways to achieve a goal, embrace the one you've chosen.
The Approval Paradox
The more you want someone's approval, the harder it is to get it.
Approval seeking is a sign of insecurity and neediness, both unattractive traits.
“When you're content to simply be yourself and not compare or compete, everyone will respect you.”
—Lao Tzu
The more you want someone's approval, the harder it is to get it.
Approval seeking is a sign of insecurity and neediness, both unattractive traits.
“When you're content to simply be yourself and not compare or compete, everyone will respect you.”
—Lao Tzu
That's a wrap!
Follow me @_alexbrogan for more thought-provoking content to help you get better at the game of life.
Follow me @_alexbrogan for more thought-provoking content to help you get better at the game of life.
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