Josh O'Neill

1-2-3 Sundays: AI, Controllables & Separation Season

Josh O'Neill -

1 Theme

Separation Season

This time of year is weird.

As we approach the winter, it's easy to disconnect from what you've been working so hard towards throughout the year.

The looming Christmas season almost gives people permission to switch off and drift towards what seems to be the norm - lower standards "because it's nearly Christmas".

I read a quote recently that describes what separation season looks like when you positively associate it with your success.

Fundamentally simple work . . . with focused purpose . . . at intense effort . . . over a meaningful length of time . . . eventually separates those who gain value from those who lose it

At the time of writing, there are 63 days left in 2023.

That's 2 months of solid work. You wouldn't switch off for 2 months say in April and May so why in November and December?

2 Positive Outcomes

The Podcast Is Live

Yes, you can find it on YouTube or Spotify.

Let me know your thoughts after you've listened back.

Doing What I Said I Would Do

I spoke a few weeks back about doing more things off the cuff as opposed to every day being planned.

I've been a victim in the past of having my days planned without any wiggle room.

This Saturday was the first one in a while where I've not had any specific plans.

And do you know what?

I quite enjoyed it.

It gave me the freedom to be spontaneous for most of the day.

What this does allow you to do is fill the time by doing what you enjoy and value. Or get those tasks you've been putting off done. For me, this was going for lunch with Aimee and a walk around Queen's Park before going to the cinema.

It ended up being a wholesome day.

3 Learnings

Cinema Life Hack

If you're with Three then you can get a ticket at Cineworld for £3 at the weekend.

Makes going to the cinema a bit more affordable.

The 5 Controllables

As an everyday athlete, I've been thinking about what I can do to maximise my performance.

There are 5 key elements within your control:

  1. Training - how hard are you pushing? Do you have good intensity?
  2. Nutrition - am I fueling myself correctly? Do I need to pull back this week?
  3. Movement - do I get up and move enough during the night out with training?
  4. Sleep - am I getting 8 hours per night?
  5. Recovery - do I have a good morning/nighttime routine to ensure I get a high quality of sleep?

It's the last one I've been thinking about the most - especially while doing a high volume of training.

The Creator

If you haven't heard of this film, an accidental nuke on LA by AI causes it to be banned in the West and war is declared on AI throughout the world despite AI living peacefully with humans.

It's science fiction although it doesn't feel like we're far off this type of AI.

I won't spoil the film however I would recommend it if you're interested in the future of humanity and AI.

One of our biggest advantages over AI is the ability to feel empathy which is what uniquely makes us human.

Is this something that AI will eventually be able to do? Or, will they continue to be controlled by algorithms?

It's got me thinking about whether we'll choose to live in peace with the AI currently in development or whether the future will go full Sci-Fi and rage wars.

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Speak soon!