Long-term Thinking in Your Life

Shane Parrish interviewed Todd Herman in Episode 182 The Knowledge Project Podcast. Among many other topics, Herman explains the benefits of long-term thinking in your life. As an example, he mentions Steve Martin, who framed his life around 10-year periods.

I love what Steve Martin created as a frame for his life. When he was in his twenties, he resolved to live his life in decades. And he said, “My twenties [are] going to be about mastering the craft of comedy. And then my thirties…” He got there and he’s like, “Well, now because of these opportunities that I have, I’m going to master the craft of acting.” In his forties, he’s like, “I’m going to start mastering the craft of music” —specifically the banjo for him. And then his “fifties [have] been about mastering the cra# of painting. He’s an amazing painter.

This long view could really help people not feel so rushed, [like] “I gotta do this project right now.” It’s like, well, we’re working with a decade here. (…) All of a sudden, you don’t go and buy seven courses next week on (…) whatever. You’re going to give yourself more time to sink into things.

What’s your long-term plan?