Love the notion of doing less, simplifying, focusing on what matters most. Something I’m trying to focus on in my own life right now. Thanks for writing and for linking my work here Zan — much appreciated.
Thought provoking and helpful as usual! I would also say to weigh carefully the emotional cost of those balls which may influence the number of balls in the air at any one time. As I get wiser, one thing I’m acutely aware of is my future self state. If I know I’ll be rattled for an entire week based on one act (or ball) I kindly excuse myself. It goes against my nature of wanting to help others and make them feel better but I’ve learned the cost of me feeling worse isn’t worth it.
That’s super insightful and something I’m learning too - it’s a really hard act to balance! Especially, as you say - we’re juggling balls of different (emotional) weights. Glad you enjoyed it Beth :)
So, this is more like humans' ability to hold “7 plus or minus 2” numbers in short-term memory or deep dive no more than 214 meters (a harder limit) rather than a soft limit like the current world record for 100 meters, which may go down below the current time of 9.58 seconds. I remember reading somewhere that the human limit is 9.48 seconds, and similarly, the marathon has been run below 2 hours in a particular condition.
However, I think someone will come along sooner or later with a rare mutation who will push the limit lower.
Yeah - so the physical hard limit is 23, which is way, way higher than the current technical limit of 14. As you say, someone may (and probably will) break the record soon, but 23 seems impossible
Time for the significant other is underrated! Thought I must say I fall in the same trap as you more often than I’d like! thanks for your support denis
Thank you Klara, I appreciate your feedback :) Ahaha very close! My favourite line to write was just the one before: “And the more we try to do everything, the less well we do it.” ;)
A much needed reminder, my friend 🙏
Glad this resonated with you Steph, I hope you’re keeping well 🙏
Man this feels like a response to my most recent post
Oh yeah which bit? I can’t quite see it!? And congrats on getting the print version of your book out soon! I’ll need to grab a copy of it in a bit
Love the notion of doing less, simplifying, focusing on what matters most. Something I’m trying to focus on in my own life right now. Thanks for writing and for linking my work here Zan — much appreciated.
Any time Jack - loved your nuanced take on the curse of overoptimization/attiaisation/hubermanisation of health
Appreciate that, means a ton. Worked a lot on that essay so love to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks man.
Any time man!
Thought provoking and helpful as usual! I would also say to weigh carefully the emotional cost of those balls which may influence the number of balls in the air at any one time. As I get wiser, one thing I’m acutely aware of is my future self state. If I know I’ll be rattled for an entire week based on one act (or ball) I kindly excuse myself. It goes against my nature of wanting to help others and make them feel better but I’ve learned the cost of me feeling worse isn’t worth it.
That’s super insightful and something I’m learning too - it’s a really hard act to balance! Especially, as you say - we’re juggling balls of different (emotional) weights. Glad you enjoyed it Beth :)
Thank you for this short, but powerful reminder.
We can’t do it all!
Instead of juggling everything, it's better to focus on just a few important things and do them + DJ Kabza de Small's song, thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the post and the song Tinashe!
A very important message delivered in a fun way. :)
Thanks Michael!
I definitely know I am doing too many things. Good to know 14 is the so-far physical limit. Time to drop one and get back to 14 :)
Hahaha - I feel like I’m always on about 23 and dropping things. this one was a lesson for myself as much as anyone else :)
You can do anything, but you can't do everything! Thanks for the shout out Zan.
That’s it in a nutshell! Any time Teacher - love your work and writing
Absolutely Zan, doing less and doing it mindfully makes all the difference.
Thank you Saima!
yes! I am! lol working on this! Thanks you.
Thanks Jourdana! Glad this resonated with you :) Hope you’re keeping well. Loved your recent conversation with Yeba Olaye by the way
I’m doing well thank you! Hope you are well and thank you so much that was a tricky one to write I appreciate you taking the time to read it.
Zan, I have read many so-called self-help books over the years. Most of them dance around this same topic…a need for focus.
There is a fundamental limit to what a single person can do. When we try to do too much, we end up doing very little.
The paradox of limitation holds that we will achieve more in life, doing less.
Thanks JK! Fully with you on this - such a weird little paradox that makes such a big difference when you lean into it. Glad you enjoyed this :)
Interesting fact!
So, this is more like humans' ability to hold “7 plus or minus 2” numbers in short-term memory or deep dive no more than 214 meters (a harder limit) rather than a soft limit like the current world record for 100 meters, which may go down below the current time of 9.58 seconds. I remember reading somewhere that the human limit is 9.48 seconds, and similarly, the marathon has been run below 2 hours in a particular condition.
However, I think someone will come along sooner or later with a rare mutation who will push the limit lower.
Yeah - so the physical hard limit is 23, which is way, way higher than the current technical limit of 14. As you say, someone may (and probably will) break the record soon, but 23 seems impossible
Sometimes, Zan. Sometimes I juggle too many balls. I'm still on track but I do feel like I need to give more time to myself and my girlfriend.
Time for the significant other is underrated! Thought I must say I fall in the same trap as you more often than I’d like! thanks for your support denis
You only needed a few lines to get it across and really well!
My favourite: "What we want in life is not the stress of juggling 14 balls, but the joy of juggling less, better, and for longer. For life."
And I'd guess it's your favourite too :)
Thank you Klara, I appreciate your feedback :) Ahaha very close! My favourite line to write was just the one before: “And the more we try to do everything, the less well we do it.” ;)
Good strategy! Keep me posted on how it goes - I’ve found success in it :)