I recently downloaded - after months of procrastination, Bitcoin Core. It is still going through the synchronizing process with ~330k blocks remaining. But, watching my computer become transformed into a piece of the network got me thinking... About productivity. All those blocks mined in the past represent the unquestionable, not up for debate, proof-of-work that has been done over the last 14 years to get us all to this point.

The process to mine those blocks, if one takes the time to study it, can supply you with real wisdom on how to approach productivity in your own life.

And I did just that.

So, let me tell you what I came up with.

But first, let's think this through. Why should you be like Bitcoin?

Because, Bitcoin is truth. It's literally a truth machine that can't be corrupted. So, if you take a step back and align yourself to the aspects of this glorious system, your output in the world will also trend towards truth. Why waste time and energy on meaningless activity that will yield you unexpected and unwanted results, when you can turn your actions into blocks of valuable productivity?

With that said, here are my key characteristics of the Bitcoin Proof-of-Work mining process that make it so productive and valuable. And some musings on how you can incorporate these characteristics into your life to make you like Bitcoin.

1.) Consistent

One block, on average every 10 minutes. Any self-development program always hammers into your head that consistency is most important thing to make progress in life. If Bitcoin isn't anything, it is consistent. The uptime on Bitcoin is unmatched. Can you be depended on? Are you late to class or work every once in a while? Does the quality of your work oscillate? The world will you provide you with ample excuses to be inconsistent in life, don't take the bait.

2.) Efficient

Bitcoin incentivizes efficiently produced energy. Miners recognize this and seek out where energy is being produced inefficiently or not at all but nearby there is a viable power source (volcano, waterfall, stranded gas etc.). This is an opportunity to harness this energy to for profit. The miners now are incentivized to turn this power source into an efficiently energy producing system because that is what Bitcoin wants.

Ok...now on to YOU. Where are the power sources in your life that are SCREAMING to be turned into efficient energy producing resources? Maybe it's a very ambitious intern you're responsible for, a highly skilled graphic designer you have a deep personal relationship with but never have worked with on anything professional. Or it could be something physical - you know that old laptop collecting dust? Say what's up to your new full node. Get on it. Be efficient with what you have.

3.) Ruthless

It's not stopping for anyone. And you must obey the rules or you will be promptly kicked off the network. There are no exceptions made for miners that produce blocks outside of consensus. This must be you, make no allowance for anything outside of your defined parameters for your own success to enter in. Define what a "valid block" of your time looks like and strictly adhere to this.

4.) Focused

The network only does one thing - produce blocks of transactions. It does not attempt to accomplish multiple different outcomes. This single minded focus allows fine tuning of this process to be continuously optimized and dependable. I'm guilty on this one, my focus can improve. How is your focus?

5.) Prolific

As of writing this sentence, the block height is 807992. Pause and consider the amount of energy between block 1 and today that was required to create each block. That puts the current block height number into context. Also, consider the number of transactions in each block. Some lame will say "akshully, Litecoin has a much higher block height" - yeah sure nerd enjoy your shitcoin, but have you looked at the number of transactions in each block? the amount of energy backing those blocks? HFSP.

Produce. Quantity matters a whole lot.

6.) Non-Discriminant

There is no analysis at the base layer on whether a valid transaction should or should not be added to the ledger. The energy source that is generating electricity used by the miners is of no concern to the nodes that validate the blocks. Bitcoin does not discriminate. It realizes that any form of discrimination is processing energy that could be used for its single objective - produce full & valid blocks.

Are you someone who discriminates on unnecessary BS? Wasting your resources debating when you could be building?

Reflect on these. Consciously assess your day to day activities and mindset.

Be more like Bitcoin.

HODL T.