
Elevate Construction Ep.1480 - Popcorn & Variation
Nov 25, 2025
One innocent popcorn suggestion spiraled into a chaotic night at the movies. A simple change led to major disruptions, highlighting how small variations can wreck established routines. The discussion connects popcorn mishaps to broader project challenges, emphasizing how options can multiply stress and waste. Listeners will learn practical strategies to tighten standards and simplify choices to protect their teams from unnecessary chaos. If managing mess feels like juggling popcorn buckets, this insightful tale offers the clarity needed to regain control.
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Episode notes
Always Take Notes To Remember
- Take notes by hand or type to force your brain to retain information rather than relying on automated AI note takers.
- Jason advises building the habit of physically recording key points to improve memory and team reliability.
Popcorn That Broke A Routine
- Jason describes a chaotic family trip to the movies where an unexpected change in popcorn serving sizes ruined his clean routine.
- The small concession suggestion led to spilled popcorn, distraction, and a broken habit of leaving the theater tidy.
Small Variation, Big Consequences
- Jason connects his popcorn story to Nicholas Modig's law about variation and unintended consequences.
- He points out that small changes in how things are done ripple into habits, outcomes, and longer processes.
