{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Courtney Kelly (Strength Ratio | Ethos Alchemy) on optimality theory, trade-offs in fitness, and copywriting","description":"Figuring out how to prioritize in any sort of complex system is really, really difficult. We see this all the time in working with athletes. A simple, linear mindset results in athletes trying to do more, more, more training \u2014 and expecting to get more, more, more results. In reality, there are trade-offs involved in any sort of training plan. These are not just the trade-offs between the zero sum competition between training time and ability to adapt, but fundamental trade-offs between constraints being imposed on the system. If only there were some sort of lens through which we could view the process of making trade-offs between competing priorities in complex systems\u2026 Fortunately, Courtney Kelly is a coach and a copywriter, and she has a background in psycholinguistics. In linguistics, there is an understanding of the way that humans generate grammar and speech based upon trade-offs between different constraints. This theory is called \u201coptimality theory,\u201d and Courtney wrote a fantastic article on its application to training here. Check out more from Courtney, Ethos Alchemy, and Strength Ratio here: Article: Performance optimization? How \u2019bout optimality theory? Website: www.strengthratiohq.com | www.ethosalchemy.co Instagram: @strengthratio | @ethos_alchemy If you're enjoying the show, the best way to support it is by sharing with your friends. If you don't have any friends, why not a leave a review? It makes a difference in terms of other people finding the show. You can also subscribe to receive my e-mail newsletter at www.toddnief.com. Most of my writing never makes it to the blog, so get on that list. Show Notes: [01:01] A background on psycholinguistics and universal grammar \u2014 and why grammar is a lot more interesting than \u201cjust punctuation\u201d [14:24] So, what is optimality theory? What does the way that humans generate speech have to tell us about trade-offs in complex systems \u2014 particularly in fitness? [28:10] A tangible example of the trade-offs involved in training for a triathlon vs building muscle for aesthetics [34:00] Optimality theory treats constraints as \u201cbinary\u201d \u2014 not on a sliding scale [40:15] An grammatical example of optimality theory in action [49:02] The importance of having a robust theory of mind for effective communication [59:09] The practical applications of understanding theory of mind for copywriting and sales \u2014 how to understand clients\u2019 hopes, fears, and dreasm [01:13:32] How to know when it\u2019s ok to \u201cexclude\u201d someone with your copy who isn\u2019t a good fit for your business [01:18:02] Learn more from Courtney, Ethos Alchemy, and Strength Ratio Links and Resources Mentioned Slipknot \u201cPsychosocial\u201d Generative grammar Noam Chomsky B. F. Skinner Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization \u201cLet\u2019s face it: reading acquisition, face and word processing\u201d from Frontiers in Psychology Reading Rehabilitation | American Stroke Association Optimality Theory \u201cOptimality Theory \u2013 Constraint Interaction in Generative Grammar\u201d by Alan Prince and Paul Smolensky Zach Greenwald Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns Markedness and Faithfulness Constraints Ruble sign G\u00e9raldine Legendre Theory of mind Kurt Vonnegut James Joyce ","author_name":"Todd Nief's Show","author_url":"http:\/\/toddnief.com","html":"