1. Minimum Effective Dose. Last weekend, after doing some mild stretching in the backyard sun, I noticed my skin had gotten some color. No burn, not super dark, just the perfect amount of base to start the transition from ghost white to summer tan. I had stretched outside for no more than 15 to 20 minutes and inadvertently stumbled upon the Minimum Effective Dose (MED) for the pigmentation in my skin to start changing color.
MED is a concept that refers to the smallest amount of input that will produce the desired outcome and anything beyond the MED is wasteful. It is applicable to all sorts of things, from productivity to lifting weights, cardio, learning, and so much more.
Usually, I’m burnt to a crisp after my first dose of summer sun, but this year I hit the sweet spot. Maybe it’s time to stop going above and beyond and instead strive for the Minimum Effective Dose. Just some Sunday brunch food for thought…
2. You get a job. YOU get a job. And YOU GET A JOB! The rate at which the US economy is recovering with the vaccine in full swing has created a unique problem no one ever expected - too many jobs, not enough able-bodied workers. Businesses, notably restaurants and airlines, are coming back online at near pre-pandemic capacity, which means business owners who drastically lowered their payrolls last year now desperately need cooks, pilots, and everything else to keep up with surging customer demand.
What’s that mean for you? Basic supply vs demand. You’ve got what employers need, and they’re willing to pay more than usual to get it. Even if you already have a job, it’s not a bad idea to put some feelers out there. Companies tend to increase salaries and, from what I’ve seen, give out crazy referral bonuses when they’re desperate to hire good help.
3. It’s murderrrr. So far in 2021, no one in Norway has been murdered. The US? Well, let’s not go there. This is a “happy thoughts” newsletter after all.
4. Stress is a…good thing? “Stress is like a pulse, if you have it you are alive.” - Steve Maraboli
5. Weekly Book Rec. Both my roommate and I read Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights. It was a surprisingly great read with a lot of subtle life lessons and takeaways for following your passions while staying humble. Alright, alright, alright…