ZOD: How To Balance Work, Life, and Learning
Zen of data science #14
The Big Idea
Modern productivity advice tells you that you can do it all, and have it all, but it’s not true.
I tried for a long time before I finally burned out and realized I was spreading myself too thin.
I was moving an inch in a million directions, but not making any real progress.
So what’s the solution?
1. Do less
Once we accept that we can’t do it all, we’re forced to make time for the few things that matter.
The most important things in my life are family, my work/the studying I do to improve at it, and sharing content to help people (my newsletters and YouTube).
Because I prioritize these things, I practice minimalism in the other areas of my life. I follow a minimalist gym routine, I don’t have many hobbies, or go to clubs, or anything like that.
Some people might think my life is boring, but I put all my energy into the few things, and people, who really matter to me, and ignore the rest. That’s what works for me.
2. Make time
Once you’ve identified the things that are most important to you, you have to make time for them. I know this sounds simple, but so many people tell me they “don’t have time” and it’s almost always an excuse.
The simplest solution is to wake up early and work before anyone else is up. That’s what I do, and it’s served me well. Other times I have to fit it in after the kids are asleep, or on my lunch break.
Carve out 30 minutes daily for what you want to work on, and build from there. Even just an hour a day of study/practice will put you lightyears ahead.
The key is that after you subtract the distractions from your life, it gets a lot easier to find time for the things you care about.
3. Work in cycles
Learning how to balance is actually learning how to be unbalanced.
If you need to learn a new technology fast, then maybe you put everything else on maintain mode for a few weeks while you get up to speed.
Maybe you really want visible abs. For a few months you focus on fitness, and study a little less.
You get the idea.
At any given time we can’t have 10 priorities… it doesn’t make sense.
We should have 1, maybe 2 big projects we’re trying to make meaningful progress on, while we maintain everything else. After a few months of those, we can switch to the next thing, and work in a cyclical manner.
It sucks to be told you can’t do it all, and I tried for a long time to defy reality. But once I accepted I couldn’t pursue every interest I had, I felt more free, not less. I no longer had to maintain a 10 point checklist every day. I started focusing on 3-5 each key tasks each day, and started making more progress than I had in years.
If you’ve been trying to have it all and it hasn’t been working, try this motto out for awhile.
Less, but better.
What I’m Reading
I’m a firm believer that everyone should read Stoic philosophy at some point in their life.
Whether you need help staying cool at work, not getting angry, practicing restraint from addictions, or being more grateful for life… Stoicism has you covered.
Jonas Salzgeber’s book is a great introduction, easy to read, and is filled with actual techniques you can practice every day to find more peace and tranquility in your day to day.
Quote of the Week
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
— Marcus Aurelius
As I mentioned above, I’ve been reading more Stoicism. This quote always strikes me no matter how many times I read it.
It’s not enough to talk about or debate what a good man or woman should be. The best way is to demonstrate it through your actions.
Show the world what a good employee is, what a good mother is, what a good person is, through your actions.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
– Josh