Our deepest beliefs are often girded by assumptions we rarely articulate. The mindset of efficiency is one of mine.
The assumptions of this mindset are essentially:
- There are things we want.
- We can take actions to get the things we want.
- Some actions are more efficient than others — i.e., they will get more of what we seek for less time, effort, money, etc.
- The resources we save by being more efficient can be spent on other things we want.
To consider a concrete example, think of a task like studying for an exam:
- There is something you want: to pass the exam and learn the material.
- There are actions you can take to get what you want: studying.
- Some actions are more efficient than others: some methods of studying result in more learning than others.
- If you use more efficient methods to save time studying for the exam, you can put that time toward other activities you enjoy.
The efficiency mindset applies broadly because these assumptions apply to many things. But it’s also important to note where they break down.
Where Does the Efficiency Mindset Break Down?
A common criticism of the efficiency mindset is rooted in an overly-narrow interpretation of assumption #1, the things you want.
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?