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My commitment to write a daily blog since January 7th, 2018
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Day 304 – Repeat What Forms You
This article explores Jesus’ teaching on “vain repetitions” in prayer, arguing that repetition itself is not the problem, but rather the intention behind it. It differentiates between repetition as formation, where the practice changes the individual, and repetition as transaction, where one attempts to influence God. The piece emphasizes that true spiritual repetition helps us return to core values and shapes our character, rather than being a means to earn God’s attention.
Day 303 – Reinforcement of Present Bias
Present bias is the tendency to favor immediate rewards over larger, delayed benefits. This behavior can become habit-strengthened through repetition, making immediate choices feel automatic and future-oriented choices more difficult. Understanding this self-reinforcing loop is key to overcoming it.
Day 302 – Avoid the False Choice
The concept of a ‘false choice’ or ‘forced choice’ is a rhetorical maneuver designed to manipulate individuals into selecting a preferred option, often leading to a loss regardless of the decision. This idea, deeply explored by Jacques Lacan, highlights how seemingly genuine choices can be illusory, forcing individuals to compromise something essential. Recognizing and avoiding these false dilemmas is crucial to maintaining control and preventing unnecessary losses.
Day 301 – The Thing About Bottlenecks
A recent GitHub outage highlighted the pervasive issue of bottlenecks in software development and everyday life. This article explores how bottlenecks are dynamic, shifting targets, and that addressing one often reveals another, using examples from software and even ant colonies.
Day 300 – Why the King is the Last to Know
This article explores the phenomenon of leaders being the last to know about problems or impending failures within their organizations. It highlights how subordinates often filter information due to fear, leading to a distorted reality for those in charge. The author uses historical examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate this point.
Day 299 – Using a Carrot or a Stick
This article explores the effectiveness of traditional motivational methods like the “carrot and stick” approach and argues for a more nuanced strategy. It emphasizes understanding individual motivations, setting clear goals, fostering autonomy, and leading by example to genuinely inspire harder work.
Day 298 – My First Zep Song
The author recounts their first encounter with Led Zeppelin, a pivotal moment in high school when a friend handed them a cassette tape. Despite initial confusion about the band’s albums, the song “D’yer Mak’er” from *Houses of the Holy* captivated them, marking their entry into the world of rock and roll.
Day 297 – Finding Solace
The author discusses experiencing cyclical periods of melancholy, which he distinguishes from depression, viewing them as transitional phases. He shares insights from a prison psychiatrist who emphasized managing reactions to these mood changes rather than viewing them as inherently problematic. The author’s strategy involves recognizing these feelings without judgment, continuing commitments despite them, and refraining from making major decisions during these low periods, which has led to shorter and less intense cycles over time.
Day 296 – Our Cyclical Nature
This article explores the idea that human physiology and mood patterns are deeply influenced by ancient evolutionary cycles, similar to a bear’s hibernation and feasting. It suggests that modern life creates a mismatch with these ingrained rhythms, leading to struggles like seasonal mood changes. The author proposes acknowledging and understanding these natural ebbs and flows for a more harmonious life.
Day 295 – Don’t Give Up on Us
This piece offers encouragement to those who consistently choose goodness despite human flaws like lying, cheating, and selfishness. It acknowledges the ingratitude and disappointment they may face but emphasizes their crucial role in preventing humanity’s moral collapse. The author expresses gratitude and admiration for their unwavering mercy and hope, urging them not to give up.
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