“Let it sink…”

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Power moves

This little trick saved me from a lot of unnecessary stress.

When I'm asked to estimate a timeframe, my default response is: "As soon as possible," a.k.a. "ASAP."

Q: What is the ETA on my request?
A: I'm getting it ready; I'll be back as soon as possible.

The Power of ASAP

Why would I do that?
It signals that the information has been received and is being processed. Which gives the sender peace of mind.

"As soon as possible" doesn’t create any time constraints for me. So it also gives me peace of mind.

Everyone’s happy.
A stress-free environment.
Win-win.

Lessons from Pilots

Where did I learn this technique?
From commercial airline pilots...

"Dear passengers, currently there is some air traffic. We are waiting for permission to start the engines. We’ll be taking off as soon as possible."
After 20 minutes:
"Dear passengers, thank you for your patience. We are still waiting for an open window. Our journey will start as soon as possible."

ASAP could mean anywhere from one minute to a couple of hours. We don't like uncertainty. We hate limbo.
We demand to cut the wait! The point is to provide a quick update to reduce stress of uncertainty.

Managing stress isn’t just about what you deliver. It’s also about how you frame the experience.

Take this brilliant example from Houston’s Intercontinental Airport Passengers would arrive at the carousel quickly and then wait idly for their luggage.
Who likes to wait?
So there were frequent complaints.

Solution?
The airport management realized the issue wasn’t the actual wait time, but the perception of it. To address this... (what a brilliant move!) ...they increased the walking distance from the gates to the baggage claim area by redirecting passengers through a longer route.
This way, by the time passengers arrived at the carousel, their luggage was often already there or arrived shortly after.
Result: No complaints. Win-win.

Eliminating Assumptions

ASAP can create an assumption of certainty, which is exactly what we want.

But...
Beware!
When someone tells you "ASAP," you need to figure out exactly what they mean. Ask a question.
However, if you’re the one saying "ASAP," you can use it to your advantage if the other party doesn’t bother to clarify the details.

• Our assumptions always work against us.

• The opponent’s assumptions can work in our favor.

Lesson to learn?
Never assume!

Now we’re getting to the juicy part.

Did you know that SpaceX and Tesla are so successful because of the elimination of assumptions?
Elon Musk is a huge believer in First Principle Thinking.
This is one of the best ways to discover new solutions. It’s a tool to help break down complicated problems by separating "what we know is absolutely true" from "anything that is an assumption."

Elon often expresses a belief that everything not prohibited by the laws of physics is possible.
This means that anything other than the laws of physics is an assumption.
He brutally forces his teams to challenge those assumptions.

Tools for Clarity

Are there good ways to get to the essence?
I'm glad you asked! There actually are two.

First: The Socratic method of challenging assumptions and shared beliefs by asking questions like:

• What evidence supports this belief?

• What would someone with a different perspective say?

• Why do I believe this is true?

• How might I be wrong?

• What is the alternative explanation?

• What are the consequences of this belief?

• Is this belief based on facts or opinions?

Socratic questioning stops you from relying on your gut and limits strong emotional responses.

Second: The Five Whys method — repeatedly asking "why?" until you uncover the underlying assumption or cause.

Example:
“Why did you eat the last slice of my pizza?”

1. Why did I eat it?
   → Because I was hungry.

2. Why was I hungry?
   → Because I skipped lunch.

3. Why did I skip lunch?
   → Because I was busy binge-watching a show.

4. Why was I binge-watching?
   → Because I told myself I’d just watch one episode...

5. Why did I think I’d stop after one episode?
   → Because I’m terrible at self-control when it comes to pizza and TV.

Root Cause: Lack of self-control led to stealing the last slice and a Netflix marathon.

Also, our favorite procrastination is an assumption that we’ll have the discipline to get to it later (despite not having the discipline now).

So, next time someone tells you "ASAP", don’t just nod like you know what’s going on - ask for clarification! Challenge assumptions, take control, and keep things stress-free.

Till next time!

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Unpacking the routines of interesting people

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Interesting facts about Jack:

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Vegan Diet: He follows a strict vegan diet to maintain his health and energy levels.

Time controller: Jack organizes his days according to a theme (product/marketing/recruiting/etc.).

Watch-worthy clips

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