I’m a Suboptimist and you can too.
I’m a Suboptimist.
I understand that life is suboptimal, but I’m optimistic that we can make it better together. I live by a philosophy that I call my ECO system.
E is for Experimentation
You start with a problem. You try different solutions to see if they are actual solutions or just a red herring. Some people use the phrase “failing forward.” I prefer experimentation because it assumes you’re going to try things that aren’t going to work—but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t help you get to the solution. It’s not a failure; the learning is actually the benefit.
C is for Collaboration
We all have blind spots. There are times when you’re so focused on something, trying to find the solution, but you just can’t. Then somebody comes in and brings the obvious solution you should have thought of the first time—but didn’t, because you had blinders on. Hence, collaboration.
O is for Optimization
Optimization comes when you bring experimentation and collaboration together. Optimization doesn’t mean it’s perfect. It means it’s better than it was before because you came in with a problem, experimented with other people, and made it less of a problem. You leave things better than they were, even if it’s just a little bit.
Why Suboptimist Exists
I love finding problems, and I love finding solutions for those problems with other people. In fact, it’s almost the most important part of the whole process. I need other people to keep me accountable, to think of different ideas than I have, and even just to shake it up when I’m feeling like things are stale.
And that’s why this collaborative organization exists. It’s a space for us to work together to find solutions—whether that’s automation around the house, a better way to interact with other people, or just making life better one little thing at a time.
The reason I’m here is because I need you. I can’t do this project without you. I need fellow suboptimists to join me in my endeavor to make things better, and I want to build a community around that shared structural identity and goal.
So, I’m asking you to join me on this journey of betterment for the good of you, me, and all of mankind. Collaborate with me, share your thoughts and comments, subscribe on YouTube, follow on Instagram, and join our Discord.
Let’s make it better together. Life’s better together.