When you think you want something, either:
- Stop lying to yourself that you really want it. Ask yourself: do you only want it in theory or also in practice?
- Just shut up and start doing it, and see if it’s really true that you do want it. Maybe it’s not really true. Daydreaming (in theory) is nice.
A good goal is something that drives you to take action in the present moment.
If you are scared of something, pay attention to that.
Fears are a temporary glimpse at reality. It can be helpful if you address it. Mitigate the downsides that you’re afraid will happen. Ideally, get to the point that the odds are in favour of this thing working out.
“Everything I’ve learnt — I’ve learnt in reflection (through journaling)”
— Derek Sivers
Don’t just echo your thoughts. Internalise it. Reflect on what you have learnt. Whenever something feels like a fact, ask if it is really true.
Ask: Why not now?
Realise what your priorities are.
The longer you wait, the smarter you get.
Daydreaming about ideas is nice. Doing some research, fantasizing about how it will all work out gives you hope and excitement. After some time, the idea fades. A new idea would appear. After more time, that will fade too and something else will jump in.
What does this mean? You are just enjoying daydreaming. One shiny idea after another.
An idea from Derek Sivers: Try planning detailed possible futures — as some kind of middle ground between purely daydream and a specific plan.
Every now and then, look at your list of “possible futures” and make one happen when you think the timing is perfect.
Advice for people who are looking to pivot their career: Make a list of “possible futures” for whether you would or would not pivot your career. Read “So Good They Can’t Ignore You”.
Build up your career capital. When you want to make a pivot, spend and use it wisely, so that you can do it laterally.
Wanting to grow your business means you are looking at just one leg of the table. Remember the other three legs.
Ask: Why do you think you want or need to grow?
When someone wants to start a business without knowing what to do, it is like saying I want to put a bandage on a wound that does not exist.
A business is a solution to a problem. If there is no problem, then there is no need for a solution.
A business is an act of service. If the problem goes away, you don’t have to do this business anymore.
Are your clients or customers screaming “please grow your business”? If the answer is no, don’t pay attention to that. Focus more on serving them and solving their problems.
Your actions say more about your values much more than your words.
Actions reveal your true values, what you really want, and what you truly prioritise.
Observe what you say vs what you do. Learn to let go of some goals.
