Chapter 1: The Essence of Quality Effort

In the realms of relationships, writing, and physical fitness, there's a universal principle that drives growth and enhancement.

Reflecting on my high school days, I recall the struggle of lugging heavy textbooks home. Those hefty volumes made it quite a workout, especially when juggling history and math assignments. Homework was a constant presence, with my math teacher assigning problems that were graded based on completion—if it was graded at all.

For me, homework equated to learning, but my perspective shifted when I began teaching in the U.S. There, I witnessed an existential struggle among many students regarding homework. It wasn't just the students who loathed it; parents were often frustrated too. Teachers found themselves justifying the necessity and volume of assignments to parents who questioned their value.

In higher education, students are expected to take charge of their learning, completing not only assigned tasks but also extra work if necessary. The reality is that many would only engage with homework if it had a direct impact on their grades. To encourage students to complete assignments, I had to ensure they counted. However, determining the right amount to assign without inciting resistance became a challenge.

Unlike the heavy workloads I faced in school, I learned to emphasize the significance of quality in my students' work. I often reminded them: "I’d prefer you spend 10 minutes on five problems, rather than an hour on thirty while being distracted."

The students grasped my point. Many would complete a few problems, then get sidetracked with distractions like snacks or TV. This busywork, while it felt productive, was ultimately meaningless.

“Hey, Maura, how long did you spend on your math homework?”

“One hour—ugh.”

“Oh wow, you’re such a diligent student!”

I challenged that notion every time, making it clear to my students.

I urged them to dedicate solid, focused time—around 10 to 15 minutes—multiple times a day. During these intervals, I encouraged them to pause after each problem, reflect on their approach, note any mistakes, and consider how they would explain the solution to a friend. This focus on quality practice allowed them to master diverse skills efficiently and perform well on assessments.

Quality isn’t limited to academics; it extends to relationships as well. Would you prefer 10 to 15 minutes of a friend’s full attention over an hour of distracted conversation? Similarly, wouldn’t it be more meaningful to take a few minutes at the end of the day to listen to your child share their experiences, instead of merely occupying time at events?

I've made these mistakes, and I hope to share these insights with you.

Writing also begs the question of quality versus quantity. Is producing content daily beneficial if you never pause to evaluate its impact? It’s essential to reflect on whether your writing resonates with readers and what adjustments could improve it. I, too, am actively working on this aspect.

Exercise is another area where quality reigns supreme. Paul Dermody, a thoughtful writer, recently articulated how to stay fit without a gym. He succinctly stated, “Crap reps x Crap sets = Crap results.”

For the past two weeks, I’ve been walking for an hour daily, but I realized that I could achieve better results by walking for just 30 minutes and then dedicating another 15 to 30 minutes to focused bodyweight exercises. I could skip some walks and instead concentrate on quality workouts.

This principle applies to various aspects of life—food choices, friendships, work output. Many leaders emphasize that “quality, not quantity, matters.”

We must consider why we place so much importance on quantity. Why do we accumulate possessions, engage in activities, or say so much when often, it’s the simplest things—a kind gesture or a quiet moment with a friend—that bring us profound joy and peace?

Thank you for reading. Which areas of your life can benefit from a greater emphasis on quality? A special thanks to Paul Dermody for inspiring me to embrace a healthier lifestyle. I encourage you to follow his work for insights that challenge you to think, love, and live better.

Chapter 2: Insights from Exercise

The first video explores the science behind muscle growth, strength enhancement, and recovery. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how to exercise effectively for optimal results.

The second video discusses how to assess whether your training is sufficiently intense, using scientific principles to guide your efforts.