The daily fitness challenge I do is an example of daily actions that prevent entropy. Kind of wild to think of some of the feats I’ve accomplished which in large part have been supported by this small but consistent habit. Less than 10 min a day can change your life.
That's a great example. Same thing for me. And one way I've maintained it is that my wife is involved, and we worked out with neighbors for over a decade. Only the last 3 years have it been just our family, but that's included my kids as they're required to join when they turn 10. It's a whole accountability web to keep the momentum.
Earlier in my career, I spent a number of years in quality assurance and very familiar with Deming and Toyota. Some of what I’ve learned professionally I’ve applied here and there over my personal life. However, I’ve never seen it expressed in terms of entropy. Not sure if I missed something or not, but the way that you articulated this has resonated deeply. Thank you!
Glad to hear it resonated. When I was working in Six Sigma that’s what I realized we were trying to overcome. Factories hit an equilibrium and they just keep moving along. It takes a ton of energy to lift that performance level and then protect it.
Back to the coffee analogy. If I have coffee in a hot place, it takes longer to cool (greater general equilibrium) But if I take my coffee out into the snow, I have to do more to insulate it against equilibrium.
I read this, yesterday, and landed on a few thoughts... But majorly, I am reminded that Improvement does take effort. But as the Lean Six Sigma story you regarded of Toyota reminds us... Entropy is still possible unless you implement the proper type and amount of Effort.
The daily fitness challenge I do is an example of daily actions that prevent entropy. Kind of wild to think of some of the feats I’ve accomplished which in large part have been supported by this small but consistent habit. Less than 10 min a day can change your life.
Great piece brother
That's a great example. Same thing for me. And one way I've maintained it is that my wife is involved, and we worked out with neighbors for over a decade. Only the last 3 years have it been just our family, but that's included my kids as they're required to join when they turn 10. It's a whole accountability web to keep the momentum.
Love the family accountability piece!
Nothing easy compared to game 7
https://youtu.be/eQ70BkPkANM?feature=shared
Nice throwback.
Earlier in my career, I spent a number of years in quality assurance and very familiar with Deming and Toyota. Some of what I’ve learned professionally I’ve applied here and there over my personal life. However, I’ve never seen it expressed in terms of entropy. Not sure if I missed something or not, but the way that you articulated this has resonated deeply. Thank you!
Glad to hear it resonated. When I was working in Six Sigma that’s what I realized we were trying to overcome. Factories hit an equilibrium and they just keep moving along. It takes a ton of energy to lift that performance level and then protect it.
Back to the coffee analogy. If I have coffee in a hot place, it takes longer to cool (greater general equilibrium) But if I take my coffee out into the snow, I have to do more to insulate it against equilibrium.
It further resonated as my educational background is chemistry. And I love the coffee analogy. :-)
I read this, yesterday, and landed on a few thoughts... But majorly, I am reminded that Improvement does take effort. But as the Lean Six Sigma story you regarded of Toyota reminds us... Entropy is still possible unless you implement the proper type and amount of Effort.
Great piece, Michael.
Great points and thanks!
This is probably my favorite of your articles. I've long thought all of this, but you said it so well.
Thanks, I appreciate that!