Well-Worn Phrases

Inspired by Lauren Serota’s words we don’t have, this is a list of terms and phrases I find myself using on a regular basis. I imagine this will ebb and flow - as language does - but I wanted to make a record of these here. 

2022

“Relationshape” - drawing attention to the fact that the relationship is dynamic and has evolved over time.

“Return on Hassle” - a better framing (IMO) for the expected value of an outcome, taking into consideration the cost and friction of achieving it. For me, ROH has been one of the most helpful heuristics to think about what opportunities I pursue. It’s not about avoiding friction, rather ensuring that the friction is meaningful.

“State versus Trait” - the idea that some things are temporary/situational rather (state) than characteristics of a person/thing (trait).

2020

“Surface Area” - a reference to the amount of exposure that people share. I often mention that “Person A has a lot of surface area with Person B” indicating that they may have more data points, experience with, etc to that person.

“Directionally Correct” - This is perhaps my own attempt at something akin to a “yes, and…” where I agree with the spirit of what’s being said, but want to tweak it slightly.

“In Orbit” - I wrote about “Being in Good Orbits” for Yet Another Newsletter Issue 002 as a way to describe the relationship between people:

The idea of people orbiting each other appeals to me because it acknowledges that each of us have our own gravitational pulls - things that draw others into us - and that there’s room for many people to exist within these orbits at different distances. It also acknowledges the creative collision or serendipity that exists when people’s paths intersect.