The saying goes: "all models are wrong but some are useful."

Well, some models are more useful than others.

Here are 3 that I use every day:

1. Less but better: Designer Dieter Rams is attributed most with this phrase, and if I had a mantra, this would be it. Whenever I encounter friction or a problem in my life, it's nearly always solved by subtracting something. It's also a reminder to focus deeply on fewer things at a time.
2. Extreme ownership: Author and former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink popularized this idea, and it's a powerful one. Whenever something happens, good or bad, assume you are responsible. It's a perspective shift that moves you from assigning blame to figuring out what can be done about it.
3. Practice analytically, perform intuitively: This comes from David Perell, and while it's obviously applicable to things like sports, it's applicable in daily life too. When you're performing—producing something—go with the flow and don't think too much. When you're practicing, be focused on improving something specific—when rewriting or editing, for example.

Have a great week!

Graham

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Links

📚 Book Notes: Liar's Poker - Michael Lewis - A classic in the world of finance, this is a highly entertaining read for anyone remotely interested in the world of stock brokers (and in this case, bond brokers). It also provides excellent context for the 2008 financial crisis, which you can read about (or watch) in The Big Short, also by Michael Lewis.

📖 The Coddling of the American Mind - Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt - The Atlantic - I was recommended the book of the same name by a friend, and decided to read the article that inspired it instead.

The article relies on some observations and data to show a change in how free speech, particularly in the Western world, is changing, and why this is a bad thing for society, particularly those who are growing up and being shaped by these modern ideas.

📖 What I Do When I Feel Like Giving Up - James Clear - Love this post from James Clear, which was written when he was feeling unmotivated, but sticking to his habit of posting a blog post twice a week.

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Graham Mann

@grahamkmann

"When people tell you something's wrong or doesn't work for them, they are almost always right.
When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong."
— @neilhimself

May 16th 2023

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