Weekly Mix #260 - Most of the time we just need better execution

Innovation vs. Execution, Society's Problems, Polymaths & Peak Performance

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Happy Monday!

One of the discussions we had at work this week was about how we should be thinking about integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in our business.

Given the recent hype, it's a fair question.

The latest AI tech is clearly going to make many people more efficient in their jobs.

That's where I argued we should focus—what tools are available to make the work we're already doing more efficient?

The discussion evolved to talking about the dichotomy between execution and innovation.

One side argued we should think about how to integrate AI into our product—exciting new technologies can be the source of innovation.

This is true, but the question is where to draw the line: as a small software startup, should we look at building electric cars? Probably not.

But that's exactly what Apple has been rumoured to be doing over the last 5 years.

So where to draw the line between innovation and execution depends on who you are, what stage you're at, and all kinds of other factors.

For most of us—in small software startups, but also in our lives—we don't need a big innovation, or a lot of them.

We just need one—a single good product, a new gym buddy, an earlier bedtime—and then the rest is about execution.

Have a great week!

Graham

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Links

📚 What's Our Problem - Tim Urban - Wait but Why - One of my longtime favourite bloggers, Tim Urban, has released his book. It's called What's Our Problem, and it's about explaining why our society operates the way it does today, and the risks we face. It's next up on my reading list.

📖 The Polymath Playbook - Salman - A short read about the benefits of being a polymath—interested and proficient in many things, rather than a deep expert in one thing. It's a blessing to be interested in many things, but it can make you feel scattered, not specialized enough, or like you're not making enough progress, something I've struggled with personally.

📖 How a nonlinear workday might help you get more done - Stephanie Vozza - Fast Company - I hadn't heard the term "nonlinear workday" before, but I've talked about "surfing" waves of productivity in the past. There are times in the day you're naturally more focused, and they aren't the same for everyone. Figuring out when those are most likely to occur—or recognizing when they are—and making space for them in your day can be not only a big boost to productivity, but to satisfaction and happiness too.

🚴‍♂️ Vielo Bikes - This week's set of beautiful products are the bicycles made by Vielo. Clean lines, bright colors and minimal branding, and all with 1x drivetrains, which I love.

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