Just-In-Time vs Just-In-Case
8 Aug 2023
I recently had an aha-moment listening to Andrew Huberman and Tim Ferris on the Huberman Lab podcast.
Tim mentioned how we often drown ourselves in 'just-in-case' content, leaving no space for 'just-in-time' knowledge.
This hit me hard, as a lot of my daily content diet would classify as 'just-in-case’.
I enjoy diving deep into topics like health, business, psychology, and spirituality, so I had to ask myself: How much of this is really necessary right now?
I realised I should spend less time on health, productivity, and business as I’m pretty advanced in these topics already - and should instead use that time on knowledge I can apply now: web design, writing, and mindfulness.
Here are three questions to apply this mental framework to your life:
Where are you on the just-in-time vs just-in-case spectrum?
We all consume a mix of both, but which dominates your content diet?
Everybody lands somewhere on this spectrum:
It's easy to fall into a loop and scroll Instagram in the hope the algorithm throws up little dopamine snacks.
Instead, invest that time in a topic you need and move more towards the left end of the spectrum.
John Steinbeck said it best: "Life is like an empty field. With intention, it becomes a garden; without, it fills with weeds."
2. What knowledge do you need right now?
The just-in-time model in business is known for acquiring goods only when necessary, thus reducing inventory cost.
The same principle can be applied to learning.
Need to create a website? Dive into web design now.
Looking to transform your physique? Immerse yourself in nutrition and fitness.
This isn't to say just-in-case content is bad. It fosters a broad knowledge base among critical thinking and innovation, but should be approached with intention.
For example, Steve Jobs took a 'just in case' calligraphy class that later defined Apple's iconic typography.
3. Do you consume content with purpose?
We live in an attention economy where every click counts and every second you spend online has value.
Billions of dollars have been spent to figure out how to keep us scrolling and engaged. Think about that.
The infinite social media feed, for example, is the hallmark of just-in-case content. On the other hand, a Youtube video about the best three stretches to undo damage from sitting could actually come in handy.
Regardless of what content you're consuming, I challenge you to do it with intention.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Reply to this email or tweet at me @Sandrerooo.
Fun Fact of the Week
It has been 20 years since the Human Genome Project was completed.
One of the most shocking results was that the human genome contained far fewer genes than previously thought - only around 20,000, or roughly the same number as are found in a sea sponge (or ~one-third of the number found in soybeans).
Humans are 50% genetically identical to bananas and share 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees.
This illustrates just how little of our genetic material defines all of our many uniquely human qualities.
Read more on peterattiamd.com
Quote of the Week
"You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube" - unknown
Have a great week!
Sandrero