10 things from 27.
10 things I’ve learned this year on how to build an extraordinary life.
👋 Friends,
How is it already September?
We're in what I call "Second Summer" - the final heatwave before the change of seasons.
Fall in New York City is a magical time. The weather is perfect, the scenery is breathtaking, and everyone appears to be their best self.
I'm sharing a piece I wrote for my birthday on Linkedin and Twitter about the most important lessons I learned this year to build a remarkable life.
If you haven't already read it, I'd love to hear what you think.
Enjoy!
A few weeks ago, I turned 28.
27 was a tremendous year of learning and growth, with highs like starting a business and being featured on the front page of one of the world's most popular publications, to lows like feeling the most stressed and overwhelmed I've ever felt in my life. It's been a ride.
Here are the 10 things I’ve learned this year on how to build an extraordinary life:
1) Be a magnet for the type of people you want around you.
Want to work with ambitious and collaborative business partners? Be ambitious and collaborative.
Want a kind and trusting romantic partner? Be kind and trusting.
Want open-minded and adventurous friends? Be open-minded and adventurous.
2) Find the backdoor.
Most people will mindlessly wait in line for the front door. Instead, ask yourself: “How can I do something unconventional and remarkable?” to find the backdoor - the hidden shortcut that give you the same access.
3) Make asymmetrical bets.
Invest 10% of your energy in things that are low risk but have the potential to 100x.
This could be investing capital (e.g. angel investing), investing time (e.g. starting a new business), or investing in people (e.g. spending time with someone new).
4) Find leverage.
There are 4 ways to exponentially increase your output relative to your input.
You can use capital, you can code software, you can lead people, or you can create media.
Harness your source of leverage and use it to 10x your output.
Without leverage you will be stuck the hamster wheel of being busy all the time without increasing your productivity.
5) Differentiate through speed and execution.
Stand out by sticking to your word and doing things quickly and well.
Early in my career I had no tangible skills. I became a high performer by building a brand for execution. The most impressive and accomplished people I know today are the quickest to take action.
6) Turn on airplane mode.
Boredom is extremely underrated.
My greatest moments of mental clarity and creativity happened during periods of doing absolutely nothing. By eliminating noise and distraction you free up your mind for unobstructed, creative thought.
7) Shake the snow globe.
When you hit a plateau, make radical changes to your routine to shock your system.
Feeling lethargic? Take a cold shower every day.
Can’t focus? Run 10 miles.
Shitty mood? Go do something alone.
Your body won’t know what’s coming. It’s the dramatic change that pushes your body into growth mode once again.
8) Always prepare for the flood.
Build your professional network before you need it.
Be the person your friends and family can rely on for anything. Pay it forward while you are ahead and build a pool of goodwill so large that it will pay dividends for the rest of your life.
9) Do the hard things.
The more difficult things you push yourself to do, the more confidence you’ll build - and the more competent you will see yourself to be.
Change your mindset from “it’s impossible” to “I’ll figure it out” by creating proof that you can do hard things.
10) Remember you will die.
Our time on this planet is finite and that’s what makes it so special. It could over at any point. Be bold, be kind, and see the beauty in every single day.
📌 Andrew’s Picks
Fascinating internet things I’ve come across:
Virgil Abloh on Education, Art, Culture & Design — Virgil was a legend. One of the most influential and respected designers of his generation. His thoughts on a few things…
The 8 Shapes of Stories — Nathan Baugh is world-class at storytelling. Part of why he’s excellent at the skill is because of his ability to deconstruct and teach the principles of compelling storytelling. A masterclass in storytelling here.
How To Think for Yourself — Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator, has a collection of essays on startups, tech, and mental models. Here, he covers an important idea: How to think independently - a skill that is essential o the success of founders, operators, and investors alike.
🖼️ Behind the Scenes
For my birthday every year, I ask my friends for two things:
Block off a few hours to hang out
Come prepared to have a goofy time
This year, I purchased a ridiculous outfit for everyone to wear on our night out - on the train, at the restaurant, at the bar.
It serves as an empowering (and funny) reminder to give less of a sh*t about what others think.
Brilliant!
This one was great! Thanks for sharing it