MNTS #1
MNTS #1
Language learning, strength training, getting un-stuck, Mrs. B [Week 20/ Year 2023]
My attempt to compress everything noteworthy I read, watched, listened to and discovered during the past week.
Two novel approaches to language learning
I myself am not in a season of life to pursue a second language, but I’m always on the lookout for ways to encourage my girls to pursue language learning in the future. Dog earing both of the offerings below.
Jim Wendler on Strength Training and Getting in Awesome Condition
Two insights that resonated:
Do what you can recover from
Since becoming a dad my ability to recover has plummeted. I’ve been struggling to find consistency and I think with age and competing priorities this is to be expected. I’m just struggling to adjust my mindset to the new circumstances.
If you're dreading your workouts, this is also a sign your training max is too high or your assistance is too demanding for where you are right now.
There is a fine line between over-training and under-training so I’m always on the lookout for useful heuristics for gauging adequate effort. There will be days when I’m dreading lifting or conditioning no matter what the program calls for. However, this was a good reminder for me that dread should not be the regular state of a training program. Check the ego. Be realistic about the current state of strength and conditioning.
The Science of Getting "Unstuck" by David Epstein
Love me a quality Epstein piece, I highly recommend reading the whole interview. The section I included below touched on a dichotomy (good enough vs. best/optimal) I think about frequently.
The problem with perfectionism is that it raises the good-enough threshold to unreasonable levels. If the path ahead doesn’t exceed those levels, you'll stay fixed in place—stuck—because you've decided ahead of time that only perfection is good enough.
My solution to the perfectionism vs. good-enough dichotomy is to adopt a “better than most” standard for first passes. Then plan on iterating over the next decade if you want it to “world class”. I have several thoughts on this “better than most” principle so I’m working on a dedicated post to expound.
Founders Podcast #303: Warren Buffet’s Favorite Founder - Rose Blumkin
Mrs. B is frequently mentioned by Buffet and Munger and for good reason, her personality and business antics are something out of a sitcom. Mrs. B was the honey badger of founders a fierce competitor and a tireless worker. Mrs. B’s story is a masterclass in anti-fragility she turned just about every problem she faced into an opportunity to refortify and grow. Her story is equal parts inspiration and entertainment here are a few highlights I saved from the pod:
A 1977 local newspaper interview sums up Mrs. B’s temperament and work ethic… when asked What’s one thing that needs to be done in our state or in our nation? She replied “Clean out all the lazy ones”
Mrs. B’s rules for running her business “Sell cheap, tell the truth”
Buffet had to purchase NFM from Mrs. B twice, the second time Buffet had her sign a non-compete agreement. Mrs. B was 99 years old.
Her favorite song was God Bless America and she insisted it was sung at all family gatherings
Yet another reason to think in 10-year time horizons
“… let some ten years pass: and then what is created in the workshop may also be brought before the public eye.”
- Nietschze, on Genius