Why We Struggle With “The Efficiency Mindset”
<p>Our deepest beliefs are often girded by assumptions we rarely articulate. The mindset of efficiency is one of mine.</p>
<p>The assumptions of this mindset are essentially:</p>
<ol>
<li>There are things we want.</li>
<li>We can take actions to get the things we want.</li>
<li>Some actions are more efficient than others — i.e., they will get more of what we seek for less time, effort, money, etc.</li>
<li>The resources we save by being more efficient can be spent on other things we want.</li>
</ol>
<p><img alt="" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:700/0*a5LXQIPuZ_LApf61.jpg" style="height:350px; width:700px" /></p>
<p>To consider a concrete example, think of a task like studying for an exam:</p>
<ol>
<li>There is something you want: to pass the exam and learn the material.</li>
<li>There are actions you can take to get what you want: studying.</li>
<li>Some actions are more efficient than others: some methods of studying result in more learning than others.</li>
<li>If you use more efficient methods to save time studying for the exam, you can put that time toward other activities you enjoy.</li>
</ol>
<p>The efficiency mindset applies broadly because these assumptions apply to many things. But it’s also important to note where they break down.</p>
<h1>Where Does the Efficiency Mindset Break Down?</h1>
<p>A common criticism of the efficiency mindset is rooted in an overly-narrow interpretation of assumption #1, the things you want.</p>
<p>Consider speed reading a novel. This is “efficient” in the sense that you’re getting through the book in less time. But is that really what you want?</p>
<p><a href="https://medium.com/mind-cafe/why-we-struggle-with-the-efficiency-mindset-5054aeb6c8da"><strong>Click Here</strong></a></p>