#mental-model Created at 170523 # [Anonymous feedback](https://www.admonymous.co/louis030195) # [[Epistemic status]] #shower-thought Last modified date: 170523 Commit: 0 # Related - [[Philosophy/Rationality/Overoptimization]] - [[Philosophy/Rationality/Models/Exploration vs exploitation]] - [[Business/Entrepreneurship/Time optimisation]] - [[Philosophy/Rationality/Models/Premature optimization]] - [[Mental models for sailing the current ocean of massive short-term AI noise]] # Optimization vs exploration Kevin Kelly introduces the idea of optimization and exploration as the decision-making process that balances these two elements to maximize the outcome of an action within a given time frame. For example, you have a task to complete in 3 days. You can afford to explore for 1 day and optimize your results for 2 days. This is particularly analogical to [[Philosophy/Rationality/Models/Exploration vs exploitation|Exploration vs exploitation]] in the sense that it is important to balance trying new things (exploration) and refining our methods (optimization). In many cases, we may prioritize optimization over exploration because it seems like a safer bet. However, this can lead to missed opportunities and an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. On the other hand, too much exploration without any optimization can result in ineffective and inefficient actions. Finding the right balance between exploration and optimization depends on the situation and context, but it is a crucial mental model to have in decision-making processes.