Planned unpredictability, making crooked straight, sampling periods and who not how

sent by Nick Grantham | 8th March 2022

"It's the chaos that ensues from not having a plan. Not because plans are perfect, but because people without plans are much more likely to fall apart."

Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

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Champions don't find themselves on top of an Olympic podium by chance. The mavericks and game-changers still understand the rules and frameworks before they figure out a way to bend and break free from them. Likewise, athletes don't tend to return from career-threatening injuries simply by winging it. Plans are anything but perfect, but without them, we struggle to cope with the chaos that daily life throws at us. Don't be fooled by anyone who tries to convince you otherwise.

Source: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman


"Without a ruler to do it against, you can't make crooked straight."

Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

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Source: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman


"The instrument drives the student."

David Epstein

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There's often a mismatch between what we think we want to do when we start university and what we actually end up doing once we have graduated. I worry about students embarking on specialist undergraduate degrees. How do they know they want to be a strength and conditioning coach, psychologist or biomechanist? A general sport science degree is a better option because it provides a sampling period. It allows for a breadth of activities and learning. Once a range of skills has been developed, the student can select an area to focus on. This newfound passion for a specific subject area will lead to a narrowing of their focus, increased structure to their studies and ultimately higher levels of achievement.

Source: Range by David Epstein


"People broaden your vision and expand your efficacy."

Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy

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I've learnt that the quickest way to make progress is to find people that can help you deliver the 'how's. I've recognised that I don't need to do everything and control everybody. My vision is instantly widened by surrounding myself with good people, and productivity increases. Find good people and trust them to do the job.

Source: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy


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