The Lindy Effect – How to Instantly Identify What Will Stand the Test of Time

Let’s talk about one of the most powerful mental models for filtering through the noise of modern life: The Lindy Effect.

In a world where trends come and go faster than ever, how do you decide what’s worth your time, energy, and focus?

The Lindy Effect solves this by answering one simple question:

• What will still matter decades—or even centuries—from now?

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What the Lindy Effect is (and how it works).

• How to apply it to books, strategies, and life decisions.

• Why focusing on timeless ideas creates exponential results over time.

What Is the Lindy Effect?

The Lindy Effect is a simple rule for identifying durability:

• The longer something has been around, the longer it’s likely to endure.

This applies to books, ideas, strategies, and even cultural practices.

• A 50-year-old book will likely still be read 50 years from now.

• A life principle that’s worked for centuries will probably work for centuries more.

Why? Because time acts as the ultimate filter. Fads fade. Durable ideas survive.

How to Apply the Lindy Effect

1️⃣ Choose Timeless Over Trendy

When deciding what to read, watch, or learn, ask:

• "Has this stood the test of time?"

• "Will this still be valuable 10 years from now?"

For example:

• Instead of the latest "business hack" book, read The Art of War or The Wealth of Nations.

• Instead of chasing trendy diets, explore principles of nutrition that have worked for decades.

Timeless ideas compound in value. Trendy ideas… don’t.

2️⃣ Filter Your Decisions

The Lindy Effect isn’t just for books—it applies to your life.

When making a decision, ask:

• "Is this built to last?"

• "Am I focusing on short-term trends or long-term durability?"

For example:

• A flashy new investment might spike today but crash tomorrow. A long-term, proven strategy will keep growing.

• A fleeting habit might get quick results, but a timeless principle (like daily exercise) will serve you for life.

3️⃣ Use Lindy to Simplify Your Focus

The Lindy Effect helps you cut through the clutter by focusing only on what truly matters.

Ask yourself:

• "Am I spending my time on things that will last?"

• "Is this idea, book, or strategy likely to endure—or is it just a passing trend?"

Simplifying your focus isn’t just efficient—it’s incredibly freeing.

Real-World Examples of the Lindy Effect

Here are a few ways the Lindy Effect applies to different areas of life:

Books

• Timeless: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

• Trendy: This week’s bestseller on productivity hacks.

Life Principles

• Timeless: The Golden Rule ("treat others as you’d like to be treated").

• Trendy: The latest "manifestation" craze.

Business Strategies

• Timeless: Building long-term relationships and delivering real value.

• Trendy: Chasing the viral TikTok trend of the moment.

Your Action Step

Here’s how to start using the Lindy Effect today:

1️⃣ Look at your current reading list, habits, or strategies.
2️⃣ Ask: "Which of these are likely to stand the test of time?"
3️⃣ Double down on timeless options, and deprioritize the trendy ones.

Why This Matters

Focusing on the Lindy Effect doesn’t just help you make better decisions—it creates compounding results over time.

The more you invest in timeless ideas, the more valuable they become.

If you like this and you haven’t already… Subscribe to The 80/20 Digest for weekly mental models that help you think smarter, not harder.

To timeless decisions,
Steve