Do you waste energy creating unique solutions? Or do you copy and improve existing ideas? Many successful systems actually rely on copying. In fact, almost every creation derives from a prior solution. Let’s explore how benchmarking can supercharge your productivity.
The Ultimate Productivity Shortcut: Asian Efficiency’s Concept
I recently listened to an episode of The Productivity Show by Asian Efficiency. The hosts discussed the powerful concept of “cut and paste.” They explained that creating unique solutions from scratch wastes valuable mental energy. Instead, smart creators borrow existing systems and improve upon them. This strategy allows you to skip the hardest part of problem-solving.
What is Benchmarking?
During my Air Force career, leaders encouraged us to benchmark. Benchmarking means finding what others do well. You study their success, apply it, and improve it.
Learning from FedEx
Years ago, the Air Force struggled with an antiquated logistics system. We could not deliver vital parts to global air bases. This issue harmed our warfighting capability.
- The Target: The Air Force studied FedEx.
- The Lesson: FedEx mastered efficient, overnight shipping.
- The Result: The Air Force copied their operation and improved logistics.
Copying Disney
Military commissaries also improved their checkout lines. They abandoned the old, chaotic system. Instead, they built a single, winding queue.
- The Source: Disney developed this line system.
- The Benefit: It dramatically increased efficiency.
Finding Solutions in Your World
You can apply this method to your daily life. Read books, listen to podcasts, and observe your surroundings.
Right now, I focus on writing and marketing books. Others have already solved these challenges. Therefore, I copy their proven methods. However, you must scale solutions to your size. I target ideas from peers just ahead of me.
Apply Cut and Paste to AI Prompts
This logic perfectly fits artificial intelligence. If someone wrote a great prompt, do not rewrite it.
- Step 1: Find a working prompt.
- Step 2: Copy the prompt.
- Step 3: Edit and improve it for your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- Do Not Restart: Avoid building solutions from scratch.
- Observe Peers: Find successful models in your field.
- Improve Daily: Adapt existing ideas to fit your needs.
Conclusion
Do not waste precious energy on unique solutions. Instead, find what works, copy it, and make it better. What process can you benchmark today?
