The true secret ingredient
The true secret ingredient
#95 - why markets are so difficult for the over-optimiser
Hi there,1
And it’s the half-term break, finally. It’s been a rollercoaster 7 weeks, which I will be timelining over the next few days, especially with my captain role, and seeing just how much I’ve done and where time could be better spent. The next 7 days should see some rest (I’ve taken the foot off this weekend anyway) along with some good work, refreshing myself for another 7 weeks with renewed purpose and energy.
The week itself has seen a rollercoaster of emotions and thought journeys, as maybe any week does. I had my first concert of the school year, playing in the Junior Soloists competition final (serious talent on show, especially from our Year 7s).
Highlight of the week: a nice afternoon out with a friend this afternoon; starting with a fuelling jacket potato (with a new Chicken Jalfrezi filling tasty), after a long time, followed by walking up and down the monthly ‘Farmer’s Market’ on show. As alluded to in the strapline, I found it difficult to choose 1 singular thing to buy, my statistical self optimising for quality, price, utility and health (some of those sweets looked very sugary). In the end, forcing myself to make a decision and buy something, I arrived at an apple tart (excessively sweet but delicious).
After lunch in the town centre, I went up to Lichfield with family (what an exciting day, 2 ‘events’ in a single day, pretty busy and unheard of in my life story anyway) to see an exhibition about the Earth and its wonder in the cathedral. On the way back, we stopped for a cheeky McDonalds. As I stood there waiting for our order (and briefly panicked when it had gone off the screen completely) I noticed the server greet people with a smile when she gave them their food saying “Have a nice day”. It reminded me of another food host from our holiday in Scotland.
It’s 2 o’clock on a windy Saturday afternoon in Fraserburgh. Hungry from travels up from Inverurie, we are looking for a nice place to eat. I look up restaurants on Google Maps (we’ve firmly gone away from the days of looking around or speaking to locals - ain’t nobody got time for that) and I stumble across Findlay’s Fish and Chips, reportedly the best in the area.
Thinking we could try some fresh fish in this coastal area, we gave it a try - and were proved correct. The softest fish I’ve ever had, served in a comfortable quiet place by a host who certainly knows how to make his guests welcome. An old aged man who owned the place, he kept a gentle manner and warm smile throughout and it was clear just how much he enjoyed doing his job, with his family around him.
When we were done and expressed our gratitude for the meal and relief at coming here, mentioning the reviews, he covered his face in blushing embarrassment, exemplifying a sense of humility. “I never ask people to say stuff like that so if they are reviewing us on their own, that makes me very happy”. A sincere person who took pride in doing his job to the best he could.
Our stomachs filled, Mum, my sister and I walked back to the car and a snoozing Dad. Now hungry after his nap, he also wanted a slice of the cake (that’s how you use an analogy terribly wrong, folks) and we went for a 2nd round.
Watching him go about this work showed me the importance and value of loving your craft. Especially in a vocation like that, the care behind every action is noticeable and is appreciated by those who benefit from your service. It reminds me of the saying “do what you love and love what you do”.
The first part can come across as privileged, careless and “a bit rich”. “What I really love doing is watching movies all day but I can’t, can I?” This is where the concept of finding your Ikigai comes in2 and working towards a dream or a passion that fuels a job you will enjoy doing.
The second half is perhaps more realistic and more in our control. Learning to see the good sides of whatever job you do and the difference it makes (regardless of its significance and, most importantly, how much it is respected/appreciated) can make you feel better about what you’re doing.
As I reflected on whether I am enjoying being school captain over lunch today, I picked out parts that I’m enjoying and parts that I’m not. Thinking about this now reminds some advice from my predecessor.
The one thing I always had to tell myself through it all was ‘enjoy it!!’
No matter how hard it is or how busy/frustrating it can get, you’re only school captain once, so enjoy the process and enjoy the stress.
And I resonate with this now - I should remind myself that whatever I do now, Year 9 Adi would’ve absolutely loved to do, even if it was as tedious as sifting through reams of names on a spreadsheet. It is all part of the job and with the good comes the bad. It’s perhaps why people have repeatedly stressed to me that “the most important thing is that you enjoy it”. I’ll be looking for ways to optimise a bit more for that in the next half term.
To round up, sometimes you find yourselves in situations where you aren’t doing a job you enjoy. Along with doing the best job you can and making as great an impact as possible, having a smile on your face and trying to do every part of your job with love and genuineness. Loving your craft can make your work even more special and even more successful.
Podcast of the week 🎙️
The Science of Success: Defeat FOMO & Make More Confident Decisions
Loved listening to this whilst doing the lawn in the summer holidays. The inventor of the term FOMO’ talks us through another idea he is actually more fond of, both of which I fall prey to far too often.
Article of the week 📰
Reinvent Yourself in the Direction of Your Dreams
I think I ‘listened’ to this one on the Optimal Living Daily podcast too, need to give it a (re)read actually.
Quote of the week 💬
The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work superbly well - William Osler
I really do love writing these posts, especially when I can get into good fiction writing start of the Ray of Sunlight. I hope you enjoyed reading it too. A fiction author in the making? Maybe when I have more time can make the time for it.
Adi
I’ve written the last few posts with some form of gentle music on. But I’d like to get into a zen state, a flow state - let’s see how long I can last with just the sound of my fingers clicking against the keys and sitting with my thoughts.
Not a concept I’ve read into lots if I’m honest with you, but have heard bits about.