On Diminishing Returns
February 9, 2025•216 words
"Nothing good happens at a party after 2am"...
When you realise that the extra benefit from adding more of something is getting smaller or even inverting to actual harm then it's time to reassess what you're doing. Such a simple yet powerful concept, typically discovered as part of an intro to economics or business...then quickly reapplied to areas of your life where you've been waiting for the right sounding excuse to quit doing things. Things that you always had a feeling you should stop but couldn't quite find the rationale or conviction.
An example that stuck with me from my early twenties is the quip about how "every drink after you're drunk is just adding to your hangover". I've never even investigated if it's scientifically proven, but it felt like exactly what I needed to hear to behave a little less irresponsibly on a night out.
Generally, I often think about diminishing returns as a reason to stop doing an action. However, I'm starting to appreciate that it's just as relevant to when you've not being doing something and you should probably start. Like staying tucked up in bed 45 minutes before my "alarm" (young kids) when you know you're definitely not going to back to a sleep - i.e. the diminishing returns of comfort.