

234: Intentional Friction
89 snips Jul 16, 2025
Discover the importance of intentional friction in enhancing focus and creativity. The hosts explore how deliberate slowdowns can lead to better decision-making and deeper engagement. They discuss the balance between automation and personal effort in productivity, critiquing over-reliance on AI. The conversation also touches on the charm of analog tools versus digital dependence and shares insights from 'Tiny Experiments.' Tune in for practical strategies that prioritize clarity in your workflows!
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Intentionality in Systems
- Systems define outcomes and often operate with little conscious intention from us.
- Changing outputs requires examining and adjusting system inputs and processes intentionally.
Value of Intentional Friction
- Constantly optimizing for speed leads to burnout and less control.
- Intentional friction can slow systems to improve focus, quality, and breathing room.
Replacing Scrolling with Reading
- Mike replaced phone scrolling with reading during wait times, boosting creative ideas naturally.
- Adding friction to default habits enabled easier engagement with productive activities.