Center Hustle and Core Values

There are utility values and core values. Utility value: learn .NET so I can get a government job in Jerusalem. But the big question is — will I like my life more with that job or less?

Core values are different: health, friends and family, creative expression, exploration, depth, structure, solitude, connection, joy, nature.

Each one of the values is an infinite game and should not be a source of crisis.

Not that external crises should be an automatic cause of internal crises. So if I accept my life the way it is today I can keep iterating to improve it.

In the gym of life I am working on perfect sets of perfect reps. I want to be present, introspective, intentional. I want someone good in my corner. I want to get better at this and be honest with myself and useful to others.

It doesn’t mean I can’t choose aspirational goals. They just need to fall into one of the baskets and balance well with other things.

The little system for this: when you notice you are in crisis about something, ask — is this a utility value or a core value? If it’s utility, find a substitute. If it’s core, you’re playing an infinite game. Play accordingly.