-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 0
Commit
This commit does not belong to any branch on this repository, and may belong to a fork outside of the repository.
* PUSH NOTE : consistency.md * PUSH NOTE : why-i-write.md * PUSH NOTE : why-write-when-ai-can-write-better.md * PUSH NOTE : what-is-recency-bias-in-llms.md * PUSH NOTE : unlabled.md * PUSH NOTE : theory-vs-experience.md * PUSH NOTE : toxic-productivity.md * PUSH NOTE : ponder-sources-and-intent.md * PUSH NOTE : perspective.md * PUSH NOTE : okrs-do-they-work.md * PUSH NOTE : nothing-temporary.md * PUSH NOTE : no-opinion.md * PUSH NOTE : never-blame-ai.md * PUSH NOTE : multi-tasking-is-bad.md * PUSH NOTE : guide-to-productivity.md * PUSH NOTE : forwards-thinking-backwards-planning.md * PUSH NOTE : established-vs-new-knowledge.md * PUSH NOTE : endurance-psychology.md * PUSH NOTE : being-sure.md
- Loading branch information
1 parent
c5aaac4
commit 3eaf58c
Showing
19 changed files
with
819 additions
and
0 deletions.
There are no files selected for viewing
This file contains bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters.
Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
Original file line number | Diff line number | Diff line change |
---|---|---|
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@ | ||
--- | ||
title: The art of being sure. Maybe. | ||
authors: | ||
- Patrik Björklund | ||
share: true | ||
date: 2023-08-18 23:37:00 +0200 | ||
summary: An exploration of the cognitive concept of certainty, the importance of balancing skepticism and acceptance, and its implications in leadership. | ||
tags: | ||
- musings | ||
series: | ||
- Musings | ||
--- | ||
Being sure is a captivating cognitive concept. It's not fixed, but fluid, as our beliefs continually face challenges from new information and perspectives. | ||
|
||
This requires a balance between skepticism and acceptance. We must be willing to change our minds when presented with compelling evidence but resist changing beliefs hastily without critical analysis. | ||
|
||
At the same time we must balance this to avoid excessive skepticism leading to decision paralysis or severe anxiety. Analysis paralysis. | ||
|
||
While some uncertainty promotes intellectual growth and open-mindedness, too much can be crippling. | ||
|
||
It’s not about knowing everything; it's having confidence in your current knowledge while staying open to, and actively seeking, learning. | ||
|
||
Leaders of all types must frequently make decisions that will impact an entire organizations (or at least a group of people). Often with incomplete or uncertain information. | ||
|
||
But a leader who is unwaveringly certain all the time can come across as arrogant, inflexible, and unwilling to listen to others' perspectives. On the other hand, a leader who is plagued by doubt and haphazardly changes its mind can seem indecisive and insecure. | ||
|
||
The best leaders strike a balance. They are confident enough to make tough decisions and take responsibility for them, but humble enough to admit when they are wrong or don't have all the answers. They foster an environment where ideas can be challenged and different perspectives are valued. And they know when it’s time to stop the debate and move to action. | ||
|
||
Being sure doesn't mean having all the answers. It's about knowing what you know and what you don't know, being open to new information and perspectives while maintaining your core beliefs until evidence compels you otherwise. | ||
|
||
That's where real certainty lies - not in blind belief or crippling doubt but in thoughtful consideration, open-mindedness, resilience in face of uncertainty, and above all else - adaptability. This is the art of being sure. |
This file contains bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters.
Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
Original file line number | Diff line number | Diff line change |
---|---|---|
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@ | ||
--- | ||
title: Consistency | ||
authors: | ||
- Patrik Björklund | ||
share: true | ||
date: 2023-10-04 06:47:00 +0200 | ||
summary: Consistency is king - but is it? | ||
tags: | ||
- productivity | ||
series: | ||
- productivity | ||
--- | ||
"Consistency is key." This mantra has been drilled into our heads, especially in the era of social media influencers and YouTubers. But what if our relentless pursuit of consistency is costing us something far more valuable: quality? | ||
|
||
We've become obsessed with regularity, with churning out content like clockwork, fearing that any deviation from our rigid schedules will send followers fleeing. However, in our fixation on consistency, we risk diluting the quality of our work. | ||
|
||
Let's take a step back and remember why we started creating in the first place: to offer something unique, to touch people with our insights or stories. Isn't it better to give audiences a well-crafted novel that took years to perfect than a hastily written monthly release? | ||
|
||
The drive for consistency has become synonymous with hustle culture — always be producing, always be working. But at what cost? The constant grind can lead to burnout, and that guarantees 0 consistency. | ||
|
||
The solution lies in finding the middle ground. A sustainable schedule that values both quality and consistency is key. Leveraging AI where beneficial can lighten the load but should not replace human creativity. | ||
|
||
So let's reconsider the mantra: Consistency is important, yes. But not when it compromises quality or wellbeing. Let's aim for consistent quality instead of consistently mediocre output — now that's a motto worth living by! |
This file contains bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters.
Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
Original file line number | Diff line number | Diff line change |
---|---|---|
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@ | ||
--- | ||
title: "The Psychology of Ultra Endurance Training: Exploring the Link Between Mental Health and Extreme Athletes" | ||
authors: | ||
- Patrik Björklund | ||
share: true | ||
date: 2022-08-24 | ||
summary: Delving into the world of ultra endurance athletes and examining the relationship between mental health and pushing the limits of human performance. | ||
tags: | ||
- training | ||
series: | ||
- Training | ||
--- | ||
What drives someone to push their body to the extreme, to willingly embrace discomfort and test the limits of human performance? | ||
|
||
When we look at ultra endurance athletes, it's hard not to wonder about the inner workings of their minds. | ||
|
||
Are they wired differently? | ||
|
||
Could there be a link between mental health issues and their pursuit of extreme challenges? | ||
|
||
In our quest to unravel the psychology of ultra endurance training, we will explore various factors that contribute to the mindset of these athletes, and ultimately, consider whether mental health plays a significant role in their pursuit of extraordinary feats. | ||
|
||
## The Allure of Pushing Limits | ||
|
||
Imagine running for 100 miles in a single stretch or swimming across the English Channel. | ||
|
||
These are the kind of challenges that ultra endurance athletes take on willingly, defying the conventional boundaries of human capabilities. | ||
|
||
What could possibly motivate someone to embark upon such a journey? | ||
|
||
One possibility is the desire for self-discovery. | ||
|
||
Famed philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said: | ||
|
||
> "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." | ||
In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, ultra endurance athletes may find a deeper sense of self and purpose. | ||
|
||
They push themselves beyond their physical and mental limits, forging a stronger connection with their inner selves and discovering what they are truly capable of. | ||
|
||
But could there be more to this story? | ||
|
||
### The Role of Mental Health | ||
|
||
It's not uncommon to hear stories of ultra endurance athletes who have experienced some form of mental health struggle in their lives. | ||
|
||
From depression to anxiety, these individuals might have turned to extreme physical pursuits as a way to cope with their inner turmoil. | ||
|
||
But is there a direct link between mental health issues and ultra endurance training? | ||
|
||
There [might be some links](https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/11/3/5) between mental health disorders and ultra-endurance activities, but I'm not sure. | ||
|
||
One could hypothesize that extreme sports might serve as a form of self-medication for some individuals, providing them with a sense of control and accomplishment that counterbalances their mental health struggles. | ||
|
||
The case of the late ultramarathon runner Micah True, also known as Caballo Blanco, serves as a poignant example. | ||
|
||
True, who famously inspired the bestseller "Born to Run," is said to have battled depression throughout his life. | ||
|
||
Running, and more specifically, ultra endurance running, became his solace and a way to escape the darkness that haunted him. | ||
|
||
It sadly also seems to be what led to his early departure from this earth. | ||
|
||
### The Double-Edged Sword of Ultra Endurance Training | ||
|
||
While ultra endurance training can provide a sense of accomplishment and might give a sense of control for those struggling with mental health issues, it's important to recognize the potential pitfalls of this approach. | ||
|
||
The grueling nature of ultra endurance events can take a significant toll on the body, leading to injuries and long-term health consequences. | ||
|
||
Moreover, the intense physical demands can exacerbate existing mental health problems, creating a vicious cycle that's difficult to break. | ||
|
||
So, where does this leave us? | ||
|
||
Well. | ||
|
||
As we admire (or shake our head at) the incredible achievements of ultra endurance athletes, let us also remember the importance of self-care and support. | ||
|
||
Encourage open conversations about mental health, and recognize the signs when one may be using extreme physical pursuits as a coping mechanism. | ||
|
||
By fostering a healthy relationship with our underlying reasons for engaging in extreme activities we can truly appreciate the beauty and power of human resilience. |
This file contains bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters.
Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
Original file line number | Diff line number | Diff line change |
---|---|---|
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@ | ||
--- | ||
title: Established vs new knowledge | ||
authors: | ||
- Patrik Björklund | ||
share: true | ||
date: 2024-03-23 08:48:00 +0200 | ||
summary: How do we separate knowledge? How do we know that anything is correct? | ||
tags: | ||
- "#musings" | ||
series: | ||
- Musings | ||
--- | ||
I was thinking: how do we separate established knowledge from emerging insights, especially when both are valuable? The introduction of generative AI and Language Models (LLM) adds another layer of complexity to this challenge. | ||
|
||
Established knowledge, derived from reputable sources and expert opinions, acts as our anchor. It's been thoroughly vetted and is generally accepted as accurate. Yet, in a fast-evolving world, can we afford to rely solely on this? | ||
|
||
New knowledge, on the other hand, is like the uncharted waters of innovation and discovery. It's exciting but comes with its own risks, primarily the uncertainty of its accuracy. | ||
|
||
Generative AI and LLMs have emerged as tools that act as if they are guiding us through this area. They can provide direct answers and direct perspectives, bypassing traditional information gatekeepers. But there's a hitch: their training data includes both reliable and unreliable information. How then can we trust the guidance they offer? | ||
|
||
To ensure that AI enabled tools that we build we could incorporate source credibility indicators and peer-review mechanisms into their design. This would help them differentiate between reliable and questionable information. Furthermore, recognizing knowledge as a continuum rather than a binary classification can refine their navigational capabilities. | ||
|
||
Valuing the stability of established knowledge while being open to new insights is a tough balancing act as we further develop and refine our usage of AI technologies. Our focus should remain on enhancing their ability to discern the quality of information. This balance isn't just about leveraging technology; it's about fostering a culture of critical thinking and continuous exploration |
This file contains bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters.
Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
Original file line number | Diff line number | Diff line change |
---|---|---|
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@ | ||
--- | ||
title: Effective Time Management with Forwards Thinking, Backwards Planning | ||
authors: | ||
- Patrik Björklund | ||
share: true | ||
date: 2023-10-21 10:34:00 +0200 | ||
summary: An informative guide to managing time effectively using the methodology of 'forwards thinking - backwards planning', especially for parents. | ||
tags: | ||
- Productivity | ||
series: | ||
- Productivity | ||
--- | ||
Picture this: You have a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old that you need to get ready for school every morning. Your goal is to leave the house by 8:00 am. | ||
|
||
Sounds simple, right? You might think, "I'll wake up at 7:00 am, that should give me a whole hour to get ready - plenty of time". | ||
|
||
Usually doesn't end well. Let's try employing the simple methodology of "forwards thinking - backwards planning". | ||
|
||
## Forwards Thinking - Backwards Planning | ||
|
||
The "forwards thinking - backwards planning" strategy is a way to plan your time more effectively by starting at your end goal and working backwards, accounting for potential obstacles. Here's a simplified version of how it works: | ||
|
||
1. **Identify your ultimate goal:** In this case, it is to leave the house by 8:00 am. This is your endpoint. | ||
|
||
2. **Estimate time for each task:** Think about each task that needs to be done before you leave - waking up the kids, getting dressed, breakfast etc. and estimate how long each will take. Don't forget to consider potential hiccups that could delay you. | ||
|
||
3. **Work backwards from your endpoint:** Start from 8:00 am (your goal) and subtract the time each task will take from it. | ||
|
||
4. **Adjust as necessary:** If you find that you've run out of time before you've accounted for all tasks, adjust your wake-up time or expected time to leave accordingly. | ||
|
||
The idea here is not to create a minute-by-minute schedule, but rather to give yourself a rough estimate of when certain milestones should be hit in order to reach your ultimate goal on time. It’s about understanding the order of operations and giving yourself enough buffer for unexpected delays or interruptions. | ||
## Example of a Herculean Task | ||
|
||
Here is how an example plan would look in my mind. Broken down in 10 minute intervals for easy mental math: | ||
|
||
- **8:00 am:** Leave the house (ultimate goal) | ||
- **7:50 am:** Getting everyone out of the house and strapped into the car should take 5 minutes, 10 if they resist | ||
- **7:40 am:** Everyone should be fully dressed, with bags packed. This might take 10 minutes. | ||
- **7:30 am:** Teeth brushing is done by now, which on a good day takes 5 minutes, but let's add another 5 for unexpected tantrums. | ||
- **7:20 am:** Breakfast should be finished. Eating can take around 10 minutes, but let's add another 10 for potential food-related issues. | ||
- **7:00 am:** Breakfast is served. Preparing it might take around 10 minutes. | ||
- **6:50 am:** Kids should be out of bed by this time. Waking them up and getting them out of bed can take around 10 minutes. | ||
- **6:40 am:** Wake up. You need about 10 minutes to get ready before waking the kids. | ||
|
||
Oh, I should set my alarm to 6:40 instead of 7:00. 20 minutes less sleep for a more enjoyable morning. | ||
|
||
## In the Professional Context | ||
|
||
Forwards thinking - backwards planning is a simple yet effective strategy to manage your time better. It not only helps you plan your morning routine but also can be applied in numerous other situations like project management, event planning, or even in setting long-term personal goals. | ||
|
||
In the context of project management, for example, let's say you have a project due in 6 months. If you start planning from today and move forward, you may underestimate the time it takes to complete certain tasks and overestimate your ability to get them done promptly. But if you start with the due date and work backwards, factoring in all tasks and potential obstacles, you will have a more realistic schedule that leaves room for unforeseen delays. | ||
|
||
The beauty of this strategy is that it forces you to take into consideration every task involved in reaching your goal. It prompts you to think about what could possibly go wrong and plan for it accordingly. | ||
|
||
## A note on Risk | ||
|
||
An important thing to note is that the longer the period of time you're planning for, the more risk and uncertainty will be involved. Let's take the example of a long-term personal goal like starting a business. There are so many factors that could potentially derail your plans - market changes, personal circumstances, financial issues etc. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously revise and adjust your plan as you move forward. | ||
|
||
This brings us to an insightful quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower: "In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable". The core idea here is that while our initial plans may not always work out exactly as we envision, the process of planning is invaluable as it prepares us for potential roadblocks and gives us a sense of direction. | ||
|
||
## Conclusion | ||
|
||
In conclusion, "forwards thinking - backwards planning" can be a game-changer in how you manage your time and tasks. It encourages proactivity rather than reactivity and allows you to better anticipate challenges before they arise. | ||
|
||
Whether you're a busy parent trying to juggle morning routines or a project manager with deadlines looming, give this strategy a try and see how it can streamline your daily life and help you reach your goals more effectively. | ||
|
||
Remember, success lies in your ability to foresee potential obstacles and being prepared to overcome them - plan backwards from your goal but think forwards towards its attainment! |
This file contains bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters.
Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
Original file line number | Diff line number | Diff line change |
---|---|---|
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@ | ||
--- | ||
title: The definitive guide to productivity | ||
authors: | ||
- Patrik Björklund | ||
share: true | ||
date: 2024-11-09 08:58:00 +0200 | ||
summary: This is how you get off the couch and achieve everything in life. A step by step guide. | ||
tags: | ||
- productivity | ||
series: | ||
- Productivity | ||
--- | ||
So many self-help books. All promising to change your life. But let's face it, they are usually 300 pages of redundant information. That's why I present to you the most compact self-help guide ever. | ||
|
||
## Think | ||
|
||
First things first - **think things through**. Rushing into actions without any forethought is just a recipe for disaster. Give your brain some credit and use it! | ||
|
||
## Break it down | ||
|
||
Learn to **break large tasks down to small tasks**. Each small task in itself should create some value and together they should culminate into something larger than life. | ||
|
||
## Prioritize | ||
|
||
Once you've broken down the tasks, **ruthlessly prioritize** them. It's essential to know which battles to pick in order to win the war. | ||
|
||
## One thing at a time | ||
|
||
Let's move on - remember this mantra: “Stop starting - start finishing”. One task at a time keeps you moving towards your goals. | ||
|
||
## Plan | ||
|
||
Eisenhower is famous for the quote: "Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.". One could also sum it up as "Planning is re-planning". | ||
|
||
Plan, but don't let the plan become your master. Adapt as needed. | ||
|
||
## Have fun | ||
|
||
Don’t forget to **have fun and set aside time for creativity and exploration**. All work and no play can make anyone go insane. Also it's my experience that new ideas originate in exploration and fun. | ||
|
||
## Compare You vs You | ||
|
||
This one is vital - **don’t compare yourself with others** – compare you with YOU! Your real competition is your past self. | ||
|
||
## Set, and change goals | ||
|
||
Getting somewhere requires knowing where that somewhere is. **Set long, medium and short term goals**, revisit them frequently and don't hesitate to change them if circumstances call for it. | ||
|
||
## Communicate | ||
|
||
Remember – speaking isn't communicating unless what you've said has been understood rightly! So, **learn how to communicate clearly**. | ||
|
||
## Do it | ||
|
||
The key here is simple – just start! Don’t let procrastination make a home in your routine. If you need an actionable tool then say to yourself, "I'm going to do this for 10 minutes. If I don't want to do it after that, I can stop". This saying took yours truly along some truly grueling accounting courses at university. | ||
|
||
## Accept the constraints of reality | ||
|
||
Acceptance is key here– accept your reality. We all have only so many hours in a day – use them wisely! Reject hustle culture; don’t neglect other responsibilities while chasing dreams. | ||
|
||
You are allowed to have friends, kids, a spouse and hobbies. Heart attacks, money and three divorces are actually not required to be classified as successful. | ||
|
||
## Mind and body matter | ||
|
||
Eat well; do cardio; lift weights; meditate; do what your body needs. | ||
|
||
## Consistency | ||
|
||
Stop chasing the silver bullet – there ain't any shortcuts here folks! Good things take time and hard work over extended periods of time – if it was easy everyone else would be doing it already! Consistency is the key to success. | ||
|
||
## No excuses | ||
|
||
Making excuses is just a way of avoiding responsibility for your actions. **Take responsibility and learn from your mistakes**. Excuses are the easy way out, but they don't change anything. Anyone who has ever accomplished anything has failed more times than not, it's ok. | ||
|
||
## Control the controllables | ||
Focus on what's in your control—actions, judgments & reactions—and accept uncontrollable situations. | ||
|
||
## Summary | ||
So there you have it. Lessons from a life, condensed into a single blog post. | ||
|
||
Apply these principles to your life and see the magic unfold on your deathbed. | ||
|
||
Remember - success isn't about the destination, it's about the journey and the person you become along the way. Keep evolving and don't forget to enjoy the ride! |
Oops, something went wrong.