Monday Motivation: 1.16.23

Don't fall into physics envy, a term I got from Charlie Munger.

This is when you over-index on precision in ways that may not be useful or true in real-life scenarios.

In physics, it matters that pi = 3.1415926535 8979323846[...]. In most life situations, this type of precision rarely matters. In fact, too much precision keeps many people from starting. They get stuck in the planning, data gathering, or strategy process instead of just doing the thing.

Know when using 3 vs. 3.1415926[...] is just as good.

The simple rule I use to know when directional action is more valuable than precise action is to look at the amount of time I'm giving myself to do a thing and how many chances I get to do it.

Longer time horizons or situations where you get multiple attempts require less precision. You just need to be directionally accurate.

Shorter time horizons or situations where you get only one or two attempts require more precision. If you are trying to do something in a specific, time-bounded window or you get few opportunities to redo your efforts then yes, precise decision-making is required.

Here's one important thing to remember also – quick decisions give you more attempts.  You don't need to be as precise when you're action-oriented. That's why a bias towards action will net you better outcomes in most life situations.

Know when precision matters otherwise, in the words of Phil Knight, just do it.