Mastering Patience: Achieve More by Doing Less Efficiently
Written on
Chapter 1: The Power of Patience
"Why is patience essential? It encourages us to focus." ― Paulo Coelho
Have you ever considered what distinguishes a "good" baseball player from a "great" one? Albert Pujols concluded his illustrious career with an astounding .420 on-base percentage and is among only four Major League Baseball athletes to hit over 700 home runs. He joins the ranks of iconic players like Barry Bonds (762 homers), Hank Aaron (755), and Babe Ruth (714). The key factor that sets Pujols apart is not sheer power but rather patience. He once advised the young Mark Trumbo, “Understand pitchers better and don’t fear taking a third strike.”
“You don't want to strike out looking, but if you concentrate too much on protecting the strike zone, you may inadvertently widen it. I believe I can improve in this area; it’s a goal, but comparing yourself to Albert isn’t realistic since he’s the best hitter in the game.”
— Mark Trumbo
To truly master productivity, one must first learn self-management. This involves gaining perspective on time-management, as every skill in life ultimately hinges on psychology. Time stands as our most precious resource.
In baseball, pitchers capitalize on impatience. They view it as a vulnerability, aiming to induce batters to swing at poor pitches. Similarly, productivity can be approached in this manner. Just as players have strike zones, you need to define your own 'pockets of productivity'.
It's not solely about completing tasks; it's about being systematic and efficient. This can be achieved by identifying your "Golden Mean," a balance where your efforts yield results without exhausting you.
In this article, I will explore concepts such as Unscheduling, Deliberate Practice, and the "Golden Mean," which will help you cultivate patience like a seasoned hitter: wait, wait, and wait for the right opportunity.
By segmenting your working hours into 'pockets of productivity', you can enhance focus and accomplish more by doing less. The ultimate aim is to conserve energy for the critical moments.
Instead of depleting yourself, you will gain clarity by integrating these ideas and leveraging the "Laws of Productivity":
[Time Spent] x [Intensity of Focus] = High-Quality Work Produced
How to Master Unscheduling and Deliberate Practice
The "Swiss Cheese Method" for time management and productivity is, in my view, one of the most potent strategies. Why? Because many overlook the potential of 'micro-dosing' their way to success in achieving a project or goal.
While most people utilize a daily planner, Unscheduling provides a detailed hour-by-hour breakdown of how your time is utilized. I was personally amazed by how this simple structural adjustment dramatically impacted my effectiveness.
One of the most unexpected realizations from my Unschedule was the significant amount of time consumed during both halves of my day. It allowed me to pinpoint the 'pockets of productivity' most conducive to effective work, showcasing the beauty of "Unscheduling." By designating an hour each day to tackle various tasks and goals, your opportunities for productivity expand tremendously.
Unlike a conventional schedule, the Unschedule blocks out time for sleep, meals, commuting, exercise, and more. This offers a clear view of where your time goes. The next step is to employ the Swiss Cheese Method, identifying hours dedicated to focused work.
Swiss cheesing not only boosts productivity but also alleviates any anxiety or uncertainty regarding task completion within a specific timeframe. The benefits of Unscheduling include:
- Increased opportunities for work (Higher frequency)
- Clarity about time allocation (Deeper focus)
- Maximizing leisure or otherwise wasted time (Higher efficiency)
- Awareness of "Pockets of Productivity" (Less Anxiety/More Certainty)
Once you've identified your "Pockets of Productivity," the next phase is to systematically pursue your goals through "Deliberate Practice." This involves making a concerted effort to enhance your performance during those productive pockets.
The two-step process is as follows:
- Identify a specific skill to master and focus intensely during your "Pockets of Productivity."
- Continuously track feedback to adjust your approach, ensuring your efforts are effective.
Deliberate Practice consists of concentrated effort with clear objectives, identifying what works for you and what doesn’t. Remember, everyone is different, and if Unscheduling is new for you, experiment with your schedule to discover when you perform best cognitively.
Always bear in mind that the goal is to maintain a sustainable pace of efficient action.
How to Discover Your "Golden Mean"
The concept of 'The Golden Mean' is more about psychological strategy than a mere idea. It serves as a form of Realism, guiding you in examining available tools, resources, environments, support systems, and alliances. It involves a holistic analysis of what you can realistically leverage to enhance your chances of success.
The objective is to train your mind to assess the tools at your disposal and then devise a strategy based on these variables. This principle forms the foundation of "means (tools) to an end (goals)." Such efficient actions will provide a solid base for effectively engaging in Unscheduling and Deliberate Practice.
By integrating these concepts, you can create a strategic advantage, allowing you to adjust your approach according to your goals. Rather than being confined to a single method, you can adapt your ends (goals) to match your means (tools).
Process of "The Golden Mean"
- Reflect on the tools you currently possess.
- Identify any skills, advantages, or leverage points.
- Think creatively about how to best utilize these "Means" with Unscheduling and Deliberate Practice.
Taking control of your time while combining these ideas will not only enhance your productivity but also make your strategies more dynamic and actions significantly more efficient.
"Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather it is 'timing.' It waits for the right moment to act, using the right principles and in the right manner."
― Fulton J. Sheen
Chapter 2: The Intersection of Art and Mathematics
In this chapter, we will delve into the connection between the Golden Ratio and productivity.
The first video explores the Golden Mean, divine proportion, the Golden Ratio, Fibonacci, and how these concepts relate to masterpieces in art and nature.
Chapter 3: Debunking the Myths of the Golden Ratio
In the following section, we will clarify common misconceptions surrounding the Golden Ratio.
The second video takes a closer look at how the Golden Ratio is often misunderstood and clarifies its actual applications.