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The pursuit of productivity involves working harder (1900-1950) The pursuit of excellence involves working smarter rather than harder (~1950-2000) The pursuit of mediocrity involves working luckier rather than harder OR smarter (2000 - )
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Productivity and excellence both require installing a false consciousness around a doctrine of just rewards/merit. Mediocrity can afford to be more honest. Trying to get luckier is sorta amoral. No idealized moral-reference universe necessary. Just Add Entitlement.
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Note that mediocrity does not mean giving up and buying lottery tickets. It simply means not working as hard or as smart as you could if you went all out. You just hold back a bit and create space for luck. Then you try inviting luck with Random Acts of Magical Thinking.
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Productivity orientation and excellence orientation both try to give 110% in *some* sense. Mediocrity orientation is believing if you exceed 80% in *any* sense you’re doing it wrong. Slack off, futz around. Let attention wander outside laser focus zone to ADD periphery.
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