Curiosity Chronicle The Energy-Output Curve
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Dec 29, 2025 Explore the fascinating concept that effort does not always equate to quality with insights from Steve Jobs' craftsmanship analogy. Discover the activation phase where small energy bursts lead to significant improvements. Delve into the challenging long middle phase marked by diminishing returns and waning motivation. Learn the importance of the final 5% of effort to achieve breakthroughs. Shift focus from outcomes to processes for better results, and embrace the mindset of a 'last five percenter' to transform good work into exceptional work.
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Jobs' Chest-Of-Drawers Story
- Sahil Bloom recounts Steve Jobs' chest-of-drawers image about using beautiful wood on the back.
- The story illustrates carrying quality through unseen parts of work to sleep well at night.
Activation Phase Yields Big Early Gains
- The relationship between energy input and output quality is not linear; initial effort yields disproportionate gains.
- Sahil Bloom calls this the activation phase where small energy boosts create fast momentum.
The Valley Of Diminishing Returns
- Most projects enter a long, grinding middle with diminishing returns where progress feels slow.
- Sahil Bloom labels this the valley phase where dopamine and external rewards fade.