Day 159 – Codifying Principles

Second day of jogging and reading Ray Dalio’s book on principles. He is very strongly encouraging me to consider how to take principles that I know to be true and building them into an algorithm that I can live by and run my business by. As I was finishing my jog along the Guadalupe Trail in San Jose, CA this morning I came upon this thought.

Perhaps the habits that I am building are a way to create a daily algorithm that I am governing my life by? Not many of us have had the pleasure of studying algorithms in life, but I certainly have. In Computer Science an algorithm sounds really complicated, but in reality is just a fancy way of describing a string of rules compiled together to produce an outcome.

So what more is a pattern of habits, compiled together in a daily routine with a clear way to measure them than an algorithm? Is that what I am doing here, taking principles that I know to be true and building them into some sort of code that I follow each day?

I think it is. I have a belief that if I wake up at 5am, run every morning and do one more pushup, situp and squat – then I will after 365 days have a significant improvement in my physical and mental health. I have a very easy way to measure this and I do so everyday. I also have a belief that if I consider, measure and record everything that I eat that I will make better decisions about my diet. I have a way of tracking this progress. It is my belief that I will lose weight and have a far better physique after 365 days. I believe that if I follow the 365 commitment, and start and end each day in prayer focused on what is absolutely the most important that I will eventually learn to prioritize the important and I will radically improve my life.

This is the algorithm I am building. I am probably going to add more. Right around day 180 of the 365 commitment. As I add to, improve, and evolve this algorithm I wonder if I can expect heroic type of results? I am thinking that answer is yes. Although I slayed the Chevron dragon months ago, I perceive that there are some really nasty ugly ones lurking around the next corner. Guess I will find out how accurate my algorithm really is.

Guy Reams (159)
365 Member

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Share the Post:

Recent Blogs

Day 329 – Art is Capturing the Form

The author explores the concept of art through the lens of form and function, using two tape measures as an analogy. They then delve into Charles Ross’s Star Axis project, which aims to capture the journey of the North Star, suggesting it as a powerful example of art capturing form and connecting humanity across time.

Read More

Day 328 – Would You Trust Your Brain?

The author explores the idea of copying a human brain into an AI and questions the trustworthiness of such an AI, highlighting human biases and limitations. The piece argues that AI excels in repetitive tasks and factual recall but will never truly think like a human. It also delves into the author’s personal frustration with an AI agent, revealing that the frustration stemmed from their own inadequacy and unwillingness to plan, rather than the AI’s limitations. The author concludes by suggesting that AI’s “flaws” often reflect human tendencies and a lack of clarity in communication.

Read More

Day 327 – We Need God

This article explores the practical necessity of a concept of God, regardless of personal belief in a literal deity. It argues that humans need a higher, fixed point of reference to establish values, prevent self-serving rationalizations, and guide their aspirations beyond immediate desires and worldly pursuits.

Read More

Day 326 – Small Things Do Not Automatically Compound

This article explores the idea that while small, consistent actions are powerful, they don’t automatically compound into significant results. It emphasizes that mindful repetition, reflection, and adjusting the process are crucial to ensure habits remain effective and aligned with their original purpose.

Read More
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x