Embracing the Challenge: Why Optimizing May Hold You Back
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Chapter 1: The Illusion of Optimization
Have you ever hit the snooze button because you believe sleep is essential? You know, the idea that you must get those 8 hours every night, no matter what? Or maybe you’ve skipped your workout simply because time slipped away, leaving you with little choice but to postpone it until too close to bedtime.
I’ve spent a significant portion of my life searching for a balance in various aspects. I aimed for an ideal diet, a workout plan that prevented overexertion, enough sleep each night for recovery, and a consistent writing routine. However, I’m starting to understand that this quest for perfection can lead to mediocrity. Success isn’t always about maximizing the benefits of every action. To truly excel, hard work is essential, even if it means waking up at 4 a.m. after only four hours of sleep. It’s easy to convince yourself that sleeping in is a better choice. This is about training the mind to overcome what Steven Pressfield refers to as ‘resistance.’
Resistance will find every possible excuse to derail your efforts. It will twist your thoughts to justify indulgences, convincing you that you deserve a cheeseburger and fries after a workout. This instinct for self-preservation can lead you astray, pushing you toward what feels good rather than what is truly beneficial.
“Never let people who choose the path of least resistance steer you away from your chosen path of most resistance.” — David Goggins
The Path of Resistance
Jesse Itzler, an entrepreneur, once had David Goggins stay with him for a month. One memorable story was when Goggins broke through the ice of a frozen lake and jumped in. He then encouraged Jesse to do the same. Upon their return, Jesse’s wife inquired about the health benefits of such an act. Goggins simply replied, “There are no medical benefits; this is what your husband signed up for. I wanted to test his commitment to his goals.”
This anecdote resonates with me for several reasons. Sometimes, it’s not merely about doing things for their benefits. It’s about pushing through and embracing the path of resistance. I don’t suggest overtraining or exhausting yourself to the point of burnout. We often underestimate our capabilities. Constantly striving for optimization can actually hinder our ability to reach our goals. We won’t understand our limits until we push against them. If you find yourself feeling burned out, take a step back and identify what your true capacity is.
Opting for the path of resistance means willingly tackling challenges. It provides a clear direction when your mind is telling you that you’ve done enough. Is running an ultra-marathon the healthiest choice? Perhaps not, but I pursue it nonetheless.
Paralysis by Analysis
For over ten years, I have nurtured a passion for writing. I have countless ideas for projects, books, and articles but often struggle to find the time to pursue them. Balancing a full-time job while trying to launch a side hustle requires total commitment if you want to break free from the corporate grind.
It’s tempting to search for shortcuts, but this can lead to ‘paralysis by analysis.’ You might find yourself engrossed in books about your interests, watching countless educational videos, and enrolling in courses. It can feel productive, but then years pass, and you realize you haven’t made any substantial progress. You may have gained theoretical knowledge, but true wisdom comes from taking action, making mistakes, and learning through experience.
While I could write numerous articles detailing my fitness journeys, they won’t directly help you achieve your fitness goals. I can share my missteps to help you avoid them, but ultimately, you must take action.
Understanding the Value of Experience
How often do you challenge that inner voice that tries to deter you from your goals? It’s easy to take shortcuts and believe there’s a hidden path to success. In a world where knowledge is at our fingertips, one would think we’d learn to resist this urge. Yet, our brains seem wired to seek the easy way out, leading to the resistance that Pressfield discusses.
Try waking up earlier to work out and observe how it affects your day. Commit to a goal for a month and notice the changes it brings. I guarantee that if you stay dedicated to something for an entire year, it will transform you. Challenge yourself to work on a project every morning for a month without skipping a day. Confront that inner voice that tries to convince you to take a break, and conquer it. The more you overcome this resistance, the more progress you’ll make.
In the video "Why Modern Games Have Bad Optimization?", the creator explores the pitfalls of current gaming optimization practices and how they often lead to unsatisfactory experiences for players.
The video "When Your Game Is Bad But Your Optimization Is Genius" delves into the irony of excellent optimization in poorly designed games, highlighting the disconnect between technical efficiency and user satisfaction.