THUR: Occam’s Razor

The primary concept of Occam’s Razor is that given an abundance of potential answers to a solution, the simplest option is likely the most effective.

For example, if you are trying to lose weight, you probably need to eat less. You probably don’t need to worry about the precise timing of your fat intake.

If you are trying to get stronger, you probably need to lift heavier weights. You probably don’t need to worry about adding buzzword Instagram program.

If you are trying to be less tired, you probably need to go to bed earlier. You probably don’t need to be tracking your REM cycles on your phone.

If we want to grow our business, we need to deliver a better product. We probably don’t need to spend a thousand dollars on Google Ad Words.

If you want to feel better, you probably need to stop blacking out every weekend. You probably don’t need to compensate with two-a-days.

Ya know basic stuff.

Not definitely…but probably.

Often, we drastically over complicate that which is not needed because all of us just hate the idea that we aren’t special and don’t require fancy, custom advice for our woes. There is no doubt that complexities often do exist that require a checklist of troubleshooting, but as a principled way of approaching things, we’re much better off finding the simplest solution first and moving down the list only after it’s been explored.

In fitness, this process is governed by two principles that are nearly bulletproof.

  1. Specificity Principle – If you want to get better at something, you have to do it. (It doesn’t have to be exactly specific. For example, training lower body leg strength in one lift will transfer to another.)
  2. Overload Principle – If you want to continue to get improve a skill, you have to gradually increase the challenge.

There’s nothing inherently productive in the complicated. Don’t zig and zag when you can just go straight by doing stuff better.

As Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

-Dave

Thursday, 1.18.18

First, for Strength.
5 Back Squat @ 60-80%
9 DB Bench Press
(x4)
Complete 1 set every 5 minutes for 20 minutes.
—
Then, for Conditioning. Complete for time.
20-15-10
Goblet Squat Cleans (44#/26#)
Push-Ups
300m Run