J.D. Moyer

sci-fi author, beatmaker

Tag: effectiveness

Deep Focus in Consciousness — Keeping the Big Picture and the Details in Focus, Simultaneously

By

On February 13

In Metaprogramming

12516213113_92a5e4d5da_z

Deep focus is a photography technique that can be metaphorically applied to consciousness. It means working on the details (which is what all work consists of), while keeping the larger purpose or perspective in mind. It means being zoomed in and zoomed out at the same time.

With deep focus, we’re more effective, and less anxious.

We’re more effective if we can compose the notes while also paying attention to the groove.

We’re more effective if we use a tool correctly, while also considering if we’re using the right tool for the job (and switching if needed).

We’re more effective if we serve not only one person, but also their organization, and the mission that is meant to guide their organization.

Don’t pigeonhole yourself as either a “details” person or a “big picture” person. To be effective (at anything), you need to be both. You need to have the capacity to deal with the immediate minutiae as well as the ability to see the larger, broader, slower forces at play.

I’m naturally a details person, and my tendency is to jump right in and start working before carefully evaluating the situation or problem. After wasting probably thousands of hours of work, I now try to ask myself a few questions before I get in too deep, including:

Read More

Easier Life Maxims

By

On April 29

In Metaprogramming

Take a long walk down Easy Street.

Some people relish hardship.  Others get a sense of satisfaction out of enduring difficult and painful situations.  There are even connoisseurs of suffering, who appreciate different flavors and textures of misery.

I’m in the opposite camp.  If life presents itself as easy and enjoyable, I don’t ask questions.  I don’t mind working hard, or experiencing discomfort, if there’s a clear reward to be had (or a worse fate to be avoided).  But overall, I like to look for the shortest line between two points.  It’s just the way I’m wired; a little lazy and more than a little hedonistic.

Still, I’m conscientious — I don’t like to let things slide.  I don’t like feeling out-of-control, or disorganized, or discombobulated.  Obviously, to avoid entropy, a person has to stay motivated and get stuff done.  So where’s the balance?  Are there ways to save enormous amounts of energy and effort in life, but not be a slacker?  To be effective without gritting your teeth or losing sleep?

I’ve been compiling the list below for a few years, but I haven’t added anything recently.  It’s as good a time as any to publish it.  Let me know what you think.

Easier Life Maxims

1. It’s easier to forgive than it is to hold a grudge.

2. Apologizing and making right is easier than trying to justify or cover-up a mistake.

3. Learning new things is easier than defending your intelligence and expertise.

4. It’s easier to do what you want rather than to do what you think other people want you to do.

5. Helping and loving other people is easier than trying to control them.

6. Working smart is easier than working hard.

7. Working hard is easier than procrastinating, worrying, or evading work.

8. It’s easier to socialize and network with people that you like, and easier to love people who appreciate you.

9. Learning from your mistakes is easier than constantly repeating them.

10. The easiest way to get what you want is to visualize and expect it (radical slack).

11. Doing only what you enjoy is easier than slogging through life.

12. It’s easier to change the trigger than it is to change the behavior.

13. It’s easier to find inspiration and refocus than it is to curb vices and distractions via self-discipline.

14. It’s easier to reach a big or difficult goal than an average or mediocre goal (less competition).

15. Easier doesn’t necessarily mean easy.

Most of the ideas on the list were borrowed (or stolen) from other writers and thinkers, but I’ve enjoyed putting those ideas into my own words so that the maxims would better resonate with me when going back to them.  I look at the list now and then to help me decide if it’s time to dig in and grind it out, or coast and look for the path of least resistance.

Distillation — Figuring Out The One Thing That Matters

By

On January 5

In Creative Work/Career, Metaprogramming, Money/Personal Finance, Writing

Distilling Japanese whisky (not what this post is about).

Lately I’ve been obsessed with the idea that in every field, art form, or “area of life,” there is ONE thing that matters above all else.  One thing, that if you get it right, success in that area is inevitable.

I’m naturally a detail oriented person, so it’s a constant challenge for me to zoom out and see the big picture.  I know from experience that focusing on the wrong details is just a waste of time.  I easily fall victim to the “all tactics, no strategy” trap.  I’ll make myself long lists of things to do to achieve my goals, without taking the time to deeply consider my overall strategy and approach.  I’ll endlessly try to fix things that should just be discarded.  I’ll make judgment calls based on details that I personally appreciate, instead of details that are truly important.

In order to hone my “big picture” skills, I’ve been conducting the following thought experiment: pick one field, art form, or “life area” and try to distill all my knowledge and experience of that area into a single simple idea, the one thing that matters more than anything else in terms of effectiveness, fulfillment, and success by any measure.

The experiment has yielded a number of “Aha!” moments.  I don’t expect you to agree with my results (or care about the same areas), but conducting the same experiment yourself might yield an epiphany or two.

Here are some of my questions and results, in areas that are relevant to my own life:

Read More

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén