The art of mastering, then systematizing, complex themes in your daily life
The art of mastering, then systematizing, complex themes in your daily life.
I was inspired to write this after hearing a couple of people say, "I'd really like to do this or that (fill in the blank), but I don't have enough time or bandwidth to devote to doing it right." So, they just don't do it all.
Because I have always been curious about different facets of life, but have limited time, I needed a system or a process that allowed me to integrate these new themes into my daily life. I enjoy having my fingers in different circles of knowledge and culture. It gives me a window into different subsets of people and ideas; and, it lets me connect quickly with all types of people. I personally like to feel like "I've covered most aspects of daily life." I feel well rounded and informed which brings me confidence and resolve. Over time, I noticed that I began using a 5-step process to quickly and efficiently integrate these themes.
The key here is to front-load all the effort and thinking. Then find a continuing system that works for you. This way, you can live your daily life giving little to no thought to these themes. They just fall to the background and integrate into your life the way you planned them out. Here are the five steps which don't need to be done in order.
1. Research - This step requires the largest investment of your time. It should compose of at least 50% of the entire time of this 5-step process. I use the word investment because it will pay off in the long-run. The research phase is by far the most important one. This is where you systematically sit down, for a blocked period of time, and intake and digest as much as you possibly can. This broad understanding of a new topic will give you insight to what matters most. What is the most valuable thing to put your time and effort into. By doing the research upfront, you will be more confident in this field.
2. Decide - Choose which specific stance you will take based on the research. Decide what works best for you and your lifestyle, whatever the theme is. This can be tweaked later.
2.5 - Simplify. Not really a step, but this is really something that should be happening throughout each step. Always always distill and simplify concepts so you can integrate them easier.
3. Plan - Systematize your decision. I could write a whole other article about the art of systemization. This is the main component of this article. But basically, find a way or method to make this theme fit into your life without over-complicating it. The key here is to make sure you account for an average day and ensure it won't require too much daily thought. The key to this is simplification. Over simplify. KISS (keep it stupid simple).
4. Implement - Run your new system in your daily life. Take note of what is working and what is failing the default behavior test. This test is simply whether you are defaulting to whatever new action or behavior you planned for. If not, why? Was it a design error? Too complex or require to much daily thought?
5. Tweak - Tweak the new process and try again. Pay close attention your own behavior patterns and preferences. Don't work against your behavior but rather work with your natural tendencies.
This method can be applied to all types of themes like running, cooking at home, passing investing, when you read, dressing sharp, learning a new skill, cleaning, etc. I provided an example below that worked well for me.
An example:
How you dress. This is a common one I hear. People often will state, "I didn't have time to get dressed today, so this is why I'm wearing sweatpants with holes and an old t-shirt." Last time I checked, it takes the same amount of time to put on shitty pants as it does nice pants. I think they mean it more from a mental energy point of view. But this is wear my process kicks in:
1. Research
Research the general topic of fashion and clothing. What is in right now? What are the timeless pieces that will always look nice. What clothing company do you like and can afford? This step should require the largest investment of your time.
2. Decide
Decide what look you want to go for. Clean and sharp? Or chill and laid back.
3. Systematize
If you like the jeans, sneakers, and clean tee look, then buy 30 affordable clean tees. Hang these tees in your closet the order you wish to wear them for the next 30 days. It could be by color or by day of the week. Shit, get 15 black ones and 15 white ones if you want. This takes almost all of the daily work out of deciding. You just reach for the next tee, shoes, or jeans and get on with your day while always looking exactly like you want to.
4. Implement
Did it work? Are you wearing things as you planned? Or is something missing?
5. Tweak
Maybe you want more variety? Or maybe now your shoe game is lacking, so you go buy a pair that matches with everything.
I was inspired to write this after hearing a couple of people say, "I'd really like to do this or that (fill in the blank), but I don't have enough time or bandwidth to devote to doing it right." So, they just don't do it all.
Because I have always been curious about different facets of life, but have limited time, I needed a system or a process that allowed me to integrate these new themes into my daily life. I enjoy having my fingers in different circles of knowledge and culture. It gives me a window into different subsets of people and ideas; and, it lets me connect quickly with all types of people. I personally like to feel like "I've covered most aspects of daily life." I feel well rounded and informed which brings me confidence and resolve. Over time, I noticed that I began using a 5-step process to quickly and efficiently integrate these themes.
The key here is to front-load all the effort and thinking. Then find a continuing system that works for you. This way, you can live your daily life giving little to no thought to these themes. They just fall to the background and integrate into your life the way you planned them out. Here are the five steps which don't need to be done in order.
1. Research - This step requires the largest investment of your time. It should compose of at least 50% of the entire time of this 5-step process. I use the word investment because it will pay off in the long-run. The research phase is by far the most important one. This is where you systematically sit down, for a blocked period of time, and intake and digest as much as you possibly can. This broad understanding of a new topic will give you insight to what matters most. What is the most valuable thing to put your time and effort into. By doing the research upfront, you will be more confident in this field.
2. Decide - Choose which specific stance you will take based on the research. Decide what works best for you and your lifestyle, whatever the theme is. This can be tweaked later.
2.5 - Simplify. Not really a step, but this is really something that should be happening throughout each step. Always always distill and simplify concepts so you can integrate them easier.
4. Implement - Run your new system in your daily life. Take note of what is working and what is failing the default behavior test. This test is simply whether you are defaulting to whatever new action or behavior you planned for. If not, why? Was it a design error? Too complex or require to much daily thought?
5. Tweak - Tweak the new process and try again. Pay close attention your own behavior patterns and preferences. Don't work against your behavior but rather work with your natural tendencies.
This method can be applied to all types of themes like running, cooking at home, passing investing, when you read, dressing sharp, learning a new skill, cleaning, etc. I provided an example below that worked well for me.
An example:
How you dress. This is a common one I hear. People often will state, "I didn't have time to get dressed today, so this is why I'm wearing sweatpants with holes and an old t-shirt." Last time I checked, it takes the same amount of time to put on shitty pants as it does nice pants. I think they mean it more from a mental energy point of view. But this is wear my process kicks in:
1. Research
Research the general topic of fashion and clothing. What is in right now? What are the timeless pieces that will always look nice. What clothing company do you like and can afford? This step should require the largest investment of your time.
2. Decide
Decide what look you want to go for. Clean and sharp? Or chill and laid back.
3. Systematize
If you like the jeans, sneakers, and clean tee look, then buy 30 affordable clean tees. Hang these tees in your closet the order you wish to wear them for the next 30 days. It could be by color or by day of the week. Shit, get 15 black ones and 15 white ones if you want. This takes almost all of the daily work out of deciding. You just reach for the next tee, shoes, or jeans and get on with your day while always looking exactly like you want to.
4. Implement
Did it work? Are you wearing things as you planned? Or is something missing?
5. Tweak
Maybe you want more variety? Or maybe now your shoe game is lacking, so you go buy a pair that matches with everything.
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