Issue #56 ·
Why You Should Plan to Get Less Done: The Planning Fallacy
🎉 Why it makes sense to set less goals, how many steps is enough, getting your hangs in and stretching
Hello friends, happy new year!
It’s good to be back in 2024. I’ve been busy with a few projects, and a new job that I’ll share soon but for now…
This week in building health 👇
The Art of Doing Less: A Path to More
Who else is always setting too many goals? 🙋
One reason I haven’t been sending these out as often as I’d like is because I always take on more work than I can handle.
I’m really bad at saying “No.”
That’s why this week I’m sharing insights from David Epstein’s article, “Why You Should Plan to Get Less Done.”
Things always take 2-10x effort than we think
Imagine this:
a team of experts, led by the renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman, embarks on a project to design a high school curriculum.
They estimate it'll take two years to complete. Fast forward eight years, and they've just crossed the finish line.
What happened? They fell prey to what Kahneman later described as the "planning fallacy" – an optimistic overestimation of our productivity capabilities, often leading to disappointment and stress.
We all set grand goals, create long to-do lists, and then suddenly feel overwhelmed and underaccomplished.
It's a cycle I've experienced myself and seen in countless others.
(I’m already falling into that trap this year)
Rethinking Productivity: Quality Over Quantity
Many of us start with ambitious goals, only to fall short.
The cycle of overestimation and underachievement becomes a source of stress. We often equate a long to-do list with productivity and success.
But when our lists become too long and our goals too numerous, they lose their effectiveness.
They transform from a roadmap to success into a reminder of our limitations.
Embracing a Mindful Approach to Our Goals
By “planning to do less” we’re changing our approach to work and life.
Focus on what matters and give yourself the space to engage with your main task— and then actually get that done. You’ll achieve more meaningful progress and actually feel accomplished.
Same thing for your health:
January is when everyone sets crazy ambitious goals
Go to the gym for the whole year
Run that marathon I’ve been dreaming of doing.
And while these are great, setting simple goals can help you be more consistent, and make actually progress.
As we step into this week, let's challenge ourselves to apply this principle.
Choose one essential task each day, give it your full attention, and observe the difference it makes. Let's learn to celebrate the small victories, knowing they lead to significant achievements.
Stay healthy and inspired.
My favorite health things for the week
// one
10k Steps a Day: Magic Number or Myth?
5 minutes | Eric Weiman
Another article here that reminds us how the 10k steps is not a magic number (or even backed by research).
Many studies suggest that lower step counts— some as low as 4,400 are enough to offer big health benefits.
In short, don’t worry about hitting 10,000.
Just go! Walk— move— get out there.
// two
Deadhangs: The Simple Bodyweight Exercise To Help Your Health
23 minutes | Sydney Bueckert
Dead hangs are… well…
Dead simple.
Find a bar or a pair of rings, and just (safely) grip and let your weight go.
It improves your grip, decompresses your spine, strengthens your upper body, and corrects your posture. The list could go on and on.
Plus it’s usually overlooked in our lives. We’re pushing things a lot, but we’re rarely doing any pulling.
// three
Flexibility for Longevity: The Importance of Mobility for Aging Adults
14 minutes | American Sports and Fitness Association
When it comes to aging, there’s a lot to think about.
And if you want to stay active and mobile, you’re going to have to take your mobility into account. So regular exercise, good posture, and flexibility training are your key tactics here.
A daily stretch, a bit of yoga, and even just balancing for 1-min on one leg will go a long way!
Until next time
Some exciting updates ahead from me—
I’m working in a new role soon, and there are some details that I can’t wait to share with you. Stay tuned for that 😁
Meanwhile, our baby girl is hitting 5-months and every week is just a little bit different. It’s a fun adventure!
Stay tuned, stay active, and embrace life's changes.
Have a Healthy Weekend