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Things that aren't doing the thing

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Re: Things that aren't doing the thing

#31

Post by saulpw »

In the Viable System Model[0], "doing the thing" is System 1. Yes of course you need System 1 or the thing won't get done.

But in any viable system, you also have the "meta-systems", Systems 2-5:

- System 2: coordination between multiple Systems 1 (which includes prioritization, communication, and exceptional conditions)

- System 3: resource allocation and process development

- System 4: strategy and risk management

- System 5: values and holistic organizational design

As a human, you are also striving to be a viable system. You can't only just "do the thing", you have to:

- prioritize which thing to do

- take notes and keep records to communicate between past and future versions of yourself

- make sure you have the requisite resources for doing the thing

- construct your environment and processes for long-term success (habits not motivation)

- consider what happens when the thing is done and how it fits into your larger strategy

- keep your head and heart connected to make sure you're doing the right thing

None of these things are doing the thing! But they're also rather essential for getting the right things done well.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viable_system_model

Re: Things that aren't doing the thing

#32

Post by jstummbillig »

saulpw wrote: post #31

In the Viable System Model[0], "doing the thing" is System 1. Yes of course you need System 1 or the thing won't get done. But in any viable system, you also have the "meta-systems", Systems 2-5: - System 2: coordination between multiple Systems 1 (which includes prioritization, communication, and exceptional conditions) - System 3: resource allocation and process development - System 4: strategy and risk management…

Certainly, but don't get confused: You are not doing the thing, until you do the thing.

There are many ways to do the thing. There are many more ways to not do the thing.

Re: Things that aren't doing the thing

#35

Post by jader201 »

nrhrjrjrjtntbt wrote: post #27
manmal wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No, you’ll still need to do it.

Yes just do it without knowing how to do it! That always works out well.

But learning about, while possibly a prerequisite, still isn’t getting it done.

The point is: don’t stop at learning how to do the thing.

Actually do the thing.

Re: Things that aren't doing the thing

#36

Post by nrhrjrjrjtntbt »

jader201 wrote: post #35
nrhrjrjrjtntbt wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes just do it without knowing how to do it! That always works out well.

But learning about, while possibly a prerequisite, still isn’t getting it done. The point is: don’t stop at learning how to do the thing. Actually do the thing.

So skip medical school and grab a scalpel and cut out brain tumours?

Re: Things that aren't doing the thing

#37

Post by mhdi_kr99 »

saulpw wrote: post #31

In the Viable System Model[0], "doing the thing" is System 1. Yes of course you need System 1 or the thing won't get done. But in any viable system, you also have the "meta-systems", Systems 2-5: - System 2: coordination between multiple Systems 1 (which includes prioritization, communication, and exceptional conditions) - System 3: resource allocation and process development - System 4: strategy and risk management…

writing this reply on hackernews is not "doing the thing" bro.

Re: Things that aren't doing the thing

#38

Post by jader201 »

nrhrjrjrjtntbt wrote: post #36
jader201 wrote: post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But learning about, while possibly a prerequisite, still isn’t getting it done. The point is: don’t stop at learning how to do the thing. Actually do the thing.

So skip medical school and grab a scalpel and cut out brain tumours?

I don’t believe I ever said “don’t learn how to do the thing”.

But many learn how to do the thing, and still never do it.

Re: Things that aren't doing the thing

#39

Post by Scarblac »

brettgriffin wrote: post #7

This gives very strong War of Art (Pressfield) vibes. As simple as it is, just remembering this is enough to make me go do the thing. And on that note, back to the thing.

Didn't that roughly end with "dying of cancer isn't doing the thing"?

I distinctly recall it becoming a bit extreme in the last chapter(s).

Re: Things that aren't doing the thing

#40

Post by saulpw »

mhdi_kr99 wrote: post #37
saulpw wrote: post #31

In the Viable System Model[0], "doing the thing" is System 1. Yes of course you need System 1 or the thing won't get done. But in any viable system, you also have the "meta-systems", Systems 2-5: - System 2: coordination between multiple Systems 1 (which includes prioritization, communication, and exceptional conditions) - System 3: resource allocation and process development - System 4: strategy and risk management…

writing this reply on hackernews is not "doing the thing" bro.

You have no idea what my thing is and whether or not I'm doing it via this post on HN.
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