Continuing the train of thoughts on systems, stocks.

In a system, a stocks is the result of inputs and outputs of a thing — stocks tell you what is present now. I’ll give you a classic example — a bathtub.

The stock of water in the bathtub is a result of the inflow of water from the faucet and the outflow of water down the drain. If water leaves the bathtub faster than water flows into the bathtub, the stock will fall. The converse is also true. Additionally, the amount of flow in either direction can change based on how much you open or close the faucet/drain.

Let’s consider stocks from the perspective of patience. Let’s say a stock of patience is a result of the inflow of unfocused energy and the outflow of focused energy. The amount of energy I allow in may be driven by my interest or my expectation of short/long run utility. The amount of energy I allow out may be driven by my perception of gains in the moment. More simply: perhaps my stock of patience is as great as my interest.

I spent 10 minutes thinking about stocks, and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed thinking about what fuels my interests and what allows my interest to persist. I also got a lot of value identifying the stocks in my life. I’ll keep my learnings to myself here.

For you, if you want to try this out, stop and ask yourself the question: What is one thing I do in a day that require me to maintain focus? What allows me to have that energy? And what allows me to maintain the focus?