Choice: Commit to One, Diversify with Five (Issue 33)

Apr 19, 2021 7:01 am

Hi Friends,


It's been a few weeks since the previous newsletter and I'm happy to be back.

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about how I should go about my work; either, try four to five thing at the same time and see if any 10x/grow/multiple quickly OR commit to one thing (because of the commitment, it 10x/grows/multiplies quickly).


I don't believe either approach is better or worse, but in comparison, let's discuss both.

  1. Single-minded focus: If you focus on one thing, it's the difference between part-time versus full-time focus. Anything you give your main, full-time focus to will have a compound effect on its input and output. Your alignment to each thing (job, opportunity, output) leads to a better outcome. On the flip side, there is less diversification. So if that one thing fails, well, you may have nothing else.
  2. Fewer Distractions: Naval Ravikhant said, "The more you know, the less you diversify." In an attempt to grow anything, stepping all-in is riskier but also potentially more profitable in the end. It also shows clear focus and understanding of what you are looking to accomplish. On the flip side, having 3, 4, or 5 different plates you are spinning could lead to discoveries that can help differentiate you, which ultimately leads to the desired outcome.


So here are a few things I consider while trying to decide where to place my focus:

  1. Does it have the ability to scale? Can it develop to a point where I give it less time and it can grow more?
  2. Can I eliminate anything that isn't working? Often if you can eliminate things that are not working, it can help build what is working.
  3. What's the One Thing you can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?


As of right now, I'm streamlining my focus to 1-3 main things around 1 main line of work (Squarespace SEO). I'll keep you updated.


My favorite finds this week

  • Video: Benjamin Hardy about Simplifying Goals | This goes hand in hand with the ideas above and comes from a Phd in Organizational Phycology.
  • App: Readwise | This is slowly becoming a key app to my workflow. Readwise lets you take highlights (automatically) from your Kindle to your note-taking app and then sends you daily emails with your previous highlights. AMAZING!



All in,

David

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By David Iskander

I'm David, a search specialist, and beginner YouTuber from Orange County, CA. My motto is: Whatever you do, do it beautifully. I enjoy making YouTube videos about website design, tech, productivity, and faith. 

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