3 More Ideas for Freethinkers
Here are 3 ideas that I am pondering this week. I hope you get something out of them!
I.
I am more and more convinced that intelligence is only a small part of economic success.
I know a guy who is not that smart, at least not in the conventional sense. Yet, he has founded several businesses, all of which did exceptionally well.
On the other hand, I know several certified geniuses who are struggling to pay the bills.
What the first guy does is that he stays with problems. He doesn't jump around.
The second thing is that he is not afraid to look a fool. He would rather get started and perfect the product along the way.
Finally, he is not too concerned with creativity. He would rather copy an existing business model than be seen as innovative.
I am not saying that intelligence doesn't matter. But don't let it get in your way either.
II.
Whenever you are trying to persuade someone, two things must be in place. The timing must be right. And you must speak their language.
Timing is about when somebody is ready to have a certain conversation.
On a day when I only got 4 hours of sleep and still have to take care of 20 items on my to-do list, I don't want to discuss our relationship issues.
Wait for a better moment.
Language is about adopting the other person's communication style.
If you are trying to sell me your services but sound like a late-night TV commercial, that tells me you are not paying attention to me. You don't realize I need a more measured, rational approach because of who I am.
Use my language.
III.
I am a firm believer in habits. What you do every day is what you become.
But it begs the question — which things should you do every day?
I always keep coming back to the same three areas of life:
Your physical health/fitness
Your ability to communicate and charm
Your peace of mind (self-organization, meditation)
What all three of these have in common is that you can't buy them. No matter how rich you might get, you can't walk inside a store and order a six-pack or a more engaging personality.
There is no shortcut here. You must cultivate these three areas over a long period.
That's why your daily habits should always cover them.
Which of these ideas struck a chord with you? Or maybe none? Let me know either way! I love to hear from subscribers and reply to every message.
Until next week,
Niels