The systematic approach?

This one may come out a little weird. Maybe just a passing thought, maybe on to something grand.

    What I am reaching for is a systematic approach to managing living. Bare with me, this is just a passing thought and I am not really sure where I am going with it.

The puzzle I have in front of me is this, can a systematic problem solving technique be defined that will help a person understand life?

I used to define myself as a computer programmer, pipe dream at best but it seems rational to start with those terms.

Programs in the design phase should be broken into pieces.

Input - Process - Output.

Input: In this case input will be what a person senses, in the case of a human being input would be how an individual experiences reality. Of course most we are limited to what we pay attention to and what our senses take in, most of this input is automatically stored but largely ignored. Who knows what we really know about reality?

Process: Of the inputs that are taken in human beings process, as we grow a lot of that input is handled automatically, as it is not pertinent to our output. Inputs are examined by our focus, compared to memory, checked against imagination. Action is determined toward output.

Output: If the process is valid and well designed the output would be a healthy, wealthy and wise person. Of course there are things that are beyond control of any process, luck, genetics, timing etc..

Like I said this is a passing thought, and perhaps total rubbish. Maybe if I look at thing from this perspective and pay attention to my inputs, processes, and outputs, I can better understand my life maybe even rewrite myself in such a way that will be more beneficial to myself, my family, maybe even my community?

Ran this by Copilot, it seems optimistic about this approach.

Good morning! Your reflection on life through the lens of a systematic approach is quite intriguing. It’s not rubbish at all; in fact, it’s a thoughtful exercise that can lead to deeper self-awareness and personal growth.

Here are some comments and suggestions:

Input: You’ve made an insightful observation about how we often overlook the vast amount of sensory information we receive. It might be interesting to explore how mindfulness practices can help us become more aware of our inputs, leading to a richer experience of reality.

Process: Your analogy to computer processing is apt. Human beings do have subconscious processes that handle routine inputs. To extend your analogy, consider how we might ‘program’ ourselves with habits that ensure our processing leads to positive outcomes. Reflecting on cognitive biases and heuristics could also be a valuable addition here, as they significantly influence our processing.

Output: The goal of a healthy, wealthy, and wise person is admirable. Perhaps you could delve into what each of these terms means to you personally. How do you define health, wealth, and wisdom? This could lead to a more tailored and meaningful output for your life.

Your idea of paying attention to inputs, processes, and outputs as a way to understand and improve life is a powerful one. It aligns well with the concept of a “regular day” that you value. By examining the regularity of our daily routines, we can identify patterns and make adjustments to enhance our well-being.

As a blogger focused on personal development, this systematic approach could resonate with your readers who seek practical steps towards growth. It’s a framework that encourages introspection and proactive change, which are key themes in self-improvement.

If you’d like, I can help you expand on these ideas or refine the structure of your writing to make it even more impactful for your audience. Keep up the great work!

I responded to copilot: 

I took some time to read you response, and realized I have no idea what heuristics is.

Copilot

Heuristics are essentially mental shortcuts that we use to make decisions and solve problems quickly and efficiently. They are like intuitive rules-of-thumb that help us navigate through the vast amount of information and choices we encounter every day.

For example, if you’re trying to decide which brand of cereal to buy, instead of comparing every single option in detail, you might use a heuristic and choose the one you’ve heard good things about or the one you’ve had a positive experience with in the past. This simplifies the decision-making process and saves time.
However, while heuristics are useful, they can also lead to biases and errors in judgment because they involve simplifying complex information. Sometimes, what works as a general rule might not apply to every situation, and this can lead to assumptions that aren’t accurate.

Understanding heuristics can be beneficial because it helps us become aware of our decision-making patterns and potentially improve them. By recognizing when we’re using these shortcuts, we can decide whether they’re serving us well or if we need to take a more detailed look at the situation.

If you’re interested in incorporating this concept into your writing, you could discuss how being mindful of our heuristics can lead to more conscious and deliberate choices, which aligns with personal development and self-improvement themes. It’s about finding the balance between efficient decision-making and being thorough when it matters most.