ALERT - new scientific principle discovered!

There’s been a new development in the self-development scientific community.

It’s called the Swanagan Principle.

The Swanagan Principle states that as the simplicity of a task increases, the probability of action that results in task completion increases linearly in an positively correlated relationship.

See graph for a visual representation:

While this is an unpublished finding, other luminaries in the field agree anecdotally.

For instance:

Alfred knew what was up.

Simplicity is the key.

Here are some other psychology-based principles and research findings that support the Swanagan principle:

1. Cognitive Load Theory: We all have a limited capacity for processing information. Tasks that are simple and clear place less cognitive load you, making it easier to understand and complete the task without overwhelm.

2. Decision Fatigue: Dealing with complex tasks leads to decision fatigue, and the quality of decisions deteriorates over time. Simplifying tasks mitigates this effect by slashing the number of decisions and results in more mental energy for important tasks.

3. The Paradox of Choice: Psychologist Barry Schwartz posits that too many options leads to paralysis rather than liberation. When a task is simplified, you are more likely to make a decision and complete the task.

Ah, science.

So how can you apply my principle??

Great question. Here’s how: stop overcomplicating everything.

You don’t need 17 different softwares and 89 different frameworks with 10+ steps to keep track of.

You just need to find the minimum viable set of actions that get your ideal results (insert obligatory 80/20 principle reference here).

For example, say you want to get stronger in the gym.

You COULD subscribe to the latest fitness routine that uses all of the latest equipment and changes every other week with complex recovery calculations.

OR, you could start doing the main 5 compound lifts (squat, deadlift, bench press, barbell row, and shoulder press) on a 5×5 regimen. As the weight gets easy add 5-10 lbs.

Simple.

You will see results and you won’t suffer from decision/calculation fatigue.

As an added bonus during any simplification activity, you will develop a better understanding along the way because you’re forced to simplify information.

Making simple things complex is a low value activity. The more complicated you make it, the greater the probability you will quit.

Simplicity is THE life hack.

What are you simplifying today?

Swanagan,

P.S., Check out my new online store! Super excited about this.