A Twist on the Spoon Theory
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A Twist on the Spoon Theory
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Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#2Consider also: https://theunitofcaring.tumblr.com/post/178856511571/conserv...
This is probably the key quote, pointing out that "resource conservation" models (e.g., "spoons") doesn't work for everyone:
> I talked recently to someone whose brain works very differently from mine. If they have the structures in place that they need to succeed, they will just keep on being able to do stuff until one of those structures breaks down. They can pack their weekend and then work all week; they can have something after work every single night. But if a structure crumbles on them, suddenly they can’t do much of anything.
> The person I talked to was familiar with resource conservation models, and this really harmed them when their structures crumbled. They found advice to cut back on the stuff they were doing, save energy, commit to the minimum necessary, cancel plans. And none of that helped, plus it’s actually really depressing and isolating to do the absolute minimum you need to survive every day, so they ended up just as stuck and now without any of the things that made them happy.
Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#3Related, this is an excellent story about a millionaire who lost it all to become homeless, and then how he pulled himself back up: https://priceonomics.com/what-its-like-to-fail/
Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#4Consider also: https://theunitofcaring.tumblr.com/post/178856511571/conserv... This is probably the key quote, pointing out that "resource conservation" models (e.g., "spoons") doesn't work for everyone: > I talked recently to someone whose brain works very differently from mine. If they have the structures in place that they need to succeed, they will just keep on being able to do stuff until one of those structures…
Interesting read, thank you. A friend of mine has a genetic immune system condition and definitely fits the spoons model - their stamina is hard capped per day, although the cap fluctuates with their health.
Whereas if I'm going through a severe depressive episode, building momentum and restructuring is the only thing that works for me.
It's important to set realistic daily goals and not beat oneself up as long as some momentum is building, even if it's in tiny increments.
Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#5Consider also: https://theunitofcaring.tumblr.com/post/178856511571/conserv... This is probably the key quote, pointing out that "resource conservation" models (e.g., "spoons") doesn't work for everyone: > I talked recently to someone whose brain works very differently from mine. If they have the structures in place that they need to succeed, they will just keep on being able to do stuff until one of those structures…
Interesting...
I seem to follow the spoon model (if I schedule too many things, _bad_ things happen) but I don't have any genetic diseases, so not sure what to make of that.
Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#6Consider also: https://theunitofcaring.tumblr.com/post/178856511571/conserv... This is probably the key quote, pointing out that "resource conservation" models (e.g., "spoons") doesn't work for everyone: > I talked recently to someone whose brain works very differently from mine. If they have the structures in place that they need to succeed, they will just keep on being able to do stuff until one of those structures…
I wanted to chime in that I found that link helpful! I'd wondered why I didn't relate with spoon theory in the past. Spoon theory seems to apply for me only when I'm near capacity and don't have much slack (in the vein of https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/yLLkWMDbC9ZNKbjDG/slack). In those cases, I definitely notice that I will crave downtime, especially if I've had a lot of social activities. If I'm below 75% capacity, I think the momentum model best describes my situation. So if I could spend a couple more hours studying a new concept, working on a side project, or even just chores and life maintenance, it doesn't use up any of my spoons--I just have to put some effort in and collect the momentum to do more.
Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#7Related, this is an excellent story about a millionaire who lost it all to become homeless, and then how he pulled himself back up: https://priceonomics.com/what-its-like-to-fail/
A very exciting story.
But in order to be fair, having $500k in savings is nowhere close to being a millionaire.
Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#8Related, this is an excellent story about a millionaire who lost it all to become homeless, and then how he pulled himself back up: https://priceonomics.com/what-its-like-to-fail/
A very exciting story. But in order to be fair, having $500k in savings is nowhere close to being a millionaire.
Halfway there in fact.
Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#9Consider also: https://theunitofcaring.tumblr.com/post/178856511571/conserv... This is probably the key quote, pointing out that "resource conservation" models (e.g., "spoons") doesn't work for everyone: > I talked recently to someone whose brain works very differently from mine. If they have the structures in place that they need to succeed, they will just keep on being able to do stuff until one of those structures…
Interesting read, thank you. A friend of mine has a genetic immune system condition and definitely fits the spoons model - their stamina is hard capped per day, although the cap fluctuates with their health. Whereas if I'm going through a severe depressive episode, building momentum and restructuring is the only thing that works for me. It's important to set realistic daily goals and not beat oneself up as long as so…
Both my wife and I have autoimmune conditions and we operate like your friend. Coding can be a bitch on the bad days.
Re: A Twist on the Spoon Theory
#10Consider also: https://theunitofcaring.tumblr.com/post/178856511571/conserv... This is probably the key quote, pointing out that "resource conservation" models (e.g., "spoons") doesn't work for everyone: > I talked recently to someone whose brain works very differently from mine. If they have the structures in place that they need to succeed, they will just keep on being able to do stuff until one of those structures…
As your link says, I think people use a mix of different resource models. For myself, I seem to have a momentum model for "thing-y" work (engineering, paperwork, cleaning, etc.) but a resource model for "people-y" work. Most importantly for me, depleting my "people-y" resource will knock out my "thing-y" faculties: 10 hours of coding leaves me tired but OK and I'll be good to go again the next day. A two hour client meeting leaves me drained for a couple of days, during which I'll be no good for client meetings OR coding.