I’m lazy. Not the “do-nothing” lazy but the smart lazy. The kind of lazy that makes you think, How can I get great results while putting in the least amount of effort upfront? You know, in theory, it’s not really possible, but if you can find the right mental shortcuts—systems or frameworks that work across multiple areas of your life—you can essentially “flick a switch” and get incredible results with less effort on the back end. That’s where this billionaire entrepreneur’s approach was a huge mind unlock. I named him six years ago on this post, but I won’t name him now due to his polarizing political nature and general hate — This is a running newsletter, not. political soap box 😂.
But let’s try to separate the “art from the artist” for a second.
Years ago, I came across his mental model, which he calls the “First Principles Algorithm.” It’s part problem-solving framework, part life hack, and 100% applicable to runners. I’ve used it daily ever since as part of my 1% Better Everyday ethos. What struck me most? It gives you permission to mess up. To push too hard, get injured, or overdo it. Because testing your limits is part of the process, even one of the biggest companies in the world, which this billionaire runs, has to fail and adapt constantly. Painful? Sure. But less so when you expect failure as a stepping stone instead of thinking you’ll nail it the first time.
First principles thinking and his specific algorithm isn’t about magical shortcuts. It’s about breaking things down to the core—facts, data, what you know—and building up from there, free from assumptions or analogies.
Example of first principles thinking: Looking at the data, I know that improving my half marathon time by just 1 minute per year is achievable through consistent training. Starting from my current time of 1:31, I can reach my goal of 1:20 within 11 years through minor, measurable improvements.
Example of analogous thinking: Since none of my running friends have achieved a 1:20 half marathon, and it seems like such a big jump from my current time, I assume it must be impossible for me, too. This limiting belief ignores the scientific evidence that gradual improvement is possible.
Billionaire’s First Principles Algorithm for General Problem-Solving
- Question and simplify requirements
- Try to delete the step or process entirely
- Optimize or simplify what remains
- Speed up the process
- Automate the process
What Is It?
A mostly simple but very advanced five-step approach to problem-solving and systems/process improvement. It emphasizes what is required to do something, avoiding unnecessary elements and optimizing what is left.
I did this backward in the past. I added too much mileage too quickly, thinking I’d scale up fast and crush my next race. I got injured, obviously. But that failure taught me where my limits were and how to work within them. The algorithm let me test those boundaries without beating myself up when I got it wrong.
Why It Works
For me, it showed up in my running. I wanted the results—faster times, longer distances—but without wasting time on things that didn’t move the needle. When I applied the algorithm, I stopped obsessing over fancy gear and endless advice and just ran consistently. And guess what? It worked.
The method encourages overcorrection in deletion to ensure true simplification, followed by speeding up and automating the process. This approach challenges conventional thinking and aims to create the most efficient and effective solutions possible.
How does this work for you as a runner?
I created a whole new algorithm for runners. Let me know when you run your best time – You’re welcome in advance!
First Principles Algorithm for Runners
- Question and Try Simplifying Training Goals
- Ask Constantly: Why am I running? Is it for health, weight loss, or a race later in the near/far future? Focus on one clear goal and objective.
- Simplify The Routine: Start with two or three (Depending on how advanced you are — more if you have a lot of experience) short, easy runs per week. Don’t overcomplicate it all with too many workouts or techniques.
- Delete Unnecessary Steps (If you can)
- Cut the Crap: Skip complex gear or diet plans (in the beginning, at least). Focus on basics: good shoes, hydration, and a consistent schedule.
- Avoid Overthinking: Don’t worry about pace or distance at first — instead, focus on building a habit… any habit.
- Optimize What Shall Remain
- Improve Your Form: Focus on a few essential form tips, like running tall and relaxed.
- Simplify Nutrition: Keep it all simple with balanced, “clean” meals. There’s no need for all the fun supplements and silly diets your fav influencer is talking about… yet.
- Speed Up Your Progress Gradually
- Increase Mileage Slowly: The 10% rule goes strong here — Add just a little more distance or time each week to avoid injury.
- Add Variety: Once you’re in a groove, mix in some hills or different terrains to keep it interesting.
- Automate Your Routine
- Set regular and consistent running days as well as times in your calendar.
- Create a simple tracking system to log your progress — use technology or don’t use it (notebooks for some are great — whatever works)
