Hello everyone,
This week was characterized by a bunch of pondering and writing. Writing greatly helps you organize thoughts because it forces you to articulate them clearly and logically. This is especially true if you write for others because it makes you even more critical. Hopefully, I did alright.
What I'm working on:
I'm updating the 5 acts model. Specifically, I'm organizing the chapters on human nature, orientation, decision-making, and action into a more coherent sequence. Once I wrap up a chapter, I'll share it for review, but for now, I'll share one of my main insights from the past year:
We perceive layers
Transactions always occur with a specific layer in a stack of layers. A very explicit example is a computer. You input your name, and it magically saves it in a database. There are tens or even hundreds of software layers between that interaction and the actual change in the database. And, each of those layers relies on a rigid ruleset between the up- and downstairs neighbors to adhere to. Not just computers, but every interaction with reality follows the principle of local actions cascading up and down. Our self-imagined identities are a prime example. They are a stack of beliefs that are dependent on each other. This is why identities are hard to change.
And, I'm also writing my case for the KEE (Knowledge, Energy, Engines) information management system. Next week I aim to have the Medium Post and Notion template up. Here are some of the fundamental principles:
Our brain is for having ideas, not storing them. But our systems should also not be for storing ideas, they're for acting on them.
Workflows processes, habits, and routines, are at the forefront, not categories of stored information.
“Systems over goals” is half gold half bs. Yes, systems are the thing that get you to goals, so they are crucial. But without a clear direction, a system is worse than useless. It will efficiently and sustainably lead you into no man's land. The intent specification is key.
You consider your backlog when you set goals, not when choosing day-to-day actions.
Interesting finds of the week:
📖 Reading:
Leonardo Da Vinci: The Biography
Based on thousands of pages from Leonardo’s astonishing notebooks and discoveries about his life and work, Walter Isaacson weaves a narrative that connects his art to his science. He shows how Leonardo’s genius was based on skills we can improve ourselves, such as passionate curiosity and careful observation, and an imagination so vivid that it flirted with fantasy.
🔗 Link to the book (Amazon)
🔊 Podcasts listened to:
How to Beat the Dopamine Cycle - Dr. Andrew Huberman and Jordan B Peterson
They discuss neurology, how humans and animals react to specific stimuli, and how this knowledge can be utilized for personal growth.
🔗 Link to the podcast episode
Storytelling with Jason Silva and Turban (The Brains Podcast)
They discuss (in a very eloquent and gripping manner) how storytelling supercharges speech and writing, and its impact on cancel culture.
🔗 Link to the podcast episode
🤍 Appreciated:
LG 4k, 27-inch screen (27UL500)
I recently got a used screen for my home “office.” I'm surprised by how enjoyable it is to have a 4k screen. I can organize many windows very comfortably.
🔗 Link to the screen (Amazon)
That’s a wrap
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this edition of the Do-It newsletter. You can leave a comment on Substack, send me a private message or simply reply to this e-mail. See you next week!
, Edwin