365QOD- Day1210

Habits of The Mind - Relevance

"Why does it matter?"- Deborah Meier

In the last four posts we have been talking about the habits of mind that Deborah developed.  We considered:

1. Evidence

2. Viewpoint

3. Connections

4. Conjecture

And today we will add Relevance.

The beauty of these tools is that they force us to question.  They guide us through looking for evidence, softening points of view, previously seen patterns, and looking for differences. These are all wonderful tools. 

But what if what we are drilling through does not matter?

This thinking process questions whether the answers or even the thing we are trying to understand even matter.  What if it does not?  We need to stop and focus on important things that will make a difference to us and others and not waste our previous time.

Long time ago I read a story of how Edison inspired himself to pursue an idea.  In the story he would write out a memo to himself add to why it is important to pursue an idea.  For example, a memo about the light bulb might talk about how getting a light bulb to work will eliminate the need for had lamps in homes.  Also by providing the light source a family might stay up later.  He would also mention that by getting petiole comfortable with the light bulb families would also look for other machines that could improve their lives.  Machines such add washing machines.  Edison the figured his company would provide those.  Similarly he saw that these new devices will need a power source and his company would provide that.

After Edison had created this memo he could clearly see the larger purpose to his work. He could see that by providing this he would improve the quality of peoples lives and enrich himself.  This wad enough to keep him going if the end goal was worthwhile.

Today's question is:

"What is your process of determining Relevance?"