Stop Optimising Everything: Why Optimisation is Killing Your Progress

Optimisation has become a hot topic over the past few years. It seems everyone is obsessed with getting the absolute most out of every investment, but at what cost?

With the kind of technology we have today, allowing us to not only measure progress, but to share our findings with others, it was only a matter of time before everyone became obsessed with optimisation.

I’m not suggesting optimisation is pointless. I truly think that when done correctly, optimisation can be the turning point that takes someone or something from good to great.

So what's the problem? Here are 3:

Optimisation Done Wrong - Neglecting What Matters 

Why do you optimise in the first place? Presumably, it’s to achieve a specific goal. The problem is that not all actions are of equal value and impact when it comes to achieving it.

We can become so obsessed with optimising everything that we start neglecting the stuff that actually matters.

For example, your goal might be to win a race, but you get so obsessed with sleep, recovery and nutrition that your actual training takes a dip, the very thing that moves the needle the most. 

The same can be applied to anything because most actions can be broken down into multiple components. With each and every one of them having different ways of optimising.

But most of your progress will come from some actions done well, not all actions done perfectly, and by trying to maximise everything, you spread yourself thin.

Instead, identify the inputs that yield the biggest returns, verify them through experience, then optimise when necessary.

Optimisation Done Wrong - Over-Optimising

Optimisation can be taken so far that it starts producing diminishing returns.

You can get so obsessed with your sleep that you start sleeping worse from the stress of trying to sleep better. But if you don’t want to burn your wings and die, maybe don’t fly too close to the sun.

“America was built on the backs of men who smoked cigarettes, drove without seatbelts, and had bacon for breakfast. If you miss your biohacking routine this morning - you’re gonna be okay.” - Alex Hormozi

In other words, even if optimising helps, it’s never worth obsessing or stressing over. You know what’s worse than not optimising something? Not doing it at all. Which is something that “over-optimising” will inevitably lead to.

Optimisation Done Wrong - Too soon

If you wanted to build a powerful computer, what would you do?

Would you start by going into settings and adjusting everything that might help it run faster? Would you pay an expert to come to your house and start tinkering?

No, you wouldn’t. Because you don't even have a computer yet. 

So, start there.

You get the components, build the computer, see how it runs, then optimise if necessary. And it’s the same with almost everything else.

Health, sleep, business, investing, training, it doesn't matter. If you’re just starting, don’t even think about optimising anything yet. Identify the fundamentals, and get to work.

Two of the greatest at a sport going head to head, optimisation might be the difference. A machine that needs to produce just a fraction more, optimisation might be the difference. 

Optimisation mostly makes a difference at the extremes, and for most of us, we’re just not there yet.

Your first 90% of progress will come from simply doing the thing. The next 10% gets a little nerdy, including optimising.

Can you honestly say you’re 90% of the way there?

If not, stop focusing on optimisation and keep working.