64. Paper has more patience than people

a quote by Anne Frank.

We are in a time where documentation is visible everywhere and everyone has to have a view on everything.

With that comes a fear of external opinion.

‘What will they think, What if I’m not good enough, What if they all hate me?’

Firstly that is the perfectionist lie talking to you; secondly, even if it is true- so what?

Say you do something a bit radical but know why you did it and can explain it- people have to respect that.

Honesty and clarification are what people actually yearn for amongst our rapidly moving confused culture.

But self-confidence and assuredness are hard to get to.

Drawing on the quote, developing your voice is essential in this strengthening of conviction- and the beautiful thing is that it can start in private.

A diary, a letter, a secret blog- all without judgement.

It is in this practice of knowing what you want, away from impatient people, that when being back in stressful situations you can hold yourself.

You understand your demons, your dreams, and what duty you believe you hope to serve to the world.

In the silence, you expose yourself to things beyond anything else others can throw at you in the noise.

Use paper- curate that person you want to be.

63. The value equation

The four elements people forget about.

Value is such a confusing topic as we all have our own opinion on what it consists of and what it would look like.

Watching a talk by multi-millionaire business owner, Alex Hormozi, on the topic I learnt this strategy.

The equation goes as follows:

Dream outcome + Perceived Likelihood of Achieving / Time delay + Effort and Sacrifice

This is so helpful as creates an objective blueprint by which we can push products, services, and ourselves forward.

When there are options for buying things we don’t realise unconsciously we are leaning into the equation.

We buy the gym membership for a dream outcome, we eat well to try and increase the chance of us getting that body we want, we frequently do exercise to get fitter quicker, and we research exciting routines to make it less boring.

This isn’t just for the gym though- think about most successful businesses; Amazon, Netflix, Uber- they have little to no time delay and no effort or sacrifice and allow us to get what we want.

When the bottom half of the equation is zero or minimal- people are more likely to take a gamble on you as there are no downsides.

Entrepreneurs love promising massive dreams, yet, they forget where the value lies for investors, individuals, and customers- in having no risk.

But the sad reality is that not all people see value the way you do; so you have to guide people to see things how you see them.

Of course, it is good to increase the dream outcome and perceived likelihood of achieving but you will still be struggling. You are be begging clients to come to you but if your solution isn’t fail proof they can question your proposition- if you can eliminate the hardship and delay you can essentially sell anything.

The route of success is to curate something that is an easy yes to people, then slowly over time make that product better, and consequently the way you pitch that changes as you see real hand how it provides dream outcomes.

Why do you think prices of items that tick all areas of value increase?

Because they are helping people more- a large price tag isn’t an area of resistance as they don’t see it as a sacrifice for what compensation they receive.

Go out there and make a great deal- follow the value equation.

62. Depth of presence

Time isn’t the most valuable asset.

What do businesses, spouses, and a messy room have in common?

They all demand your attention.

Gone are the days when we could focus easily.

We have become used to our dopamine receptors being fried that anything relatively boring is near impossible for most people.

You will find it rare to be in conversation with someone with complete attention on you.

It’s not all doom and gloom though.

For those not reaching for your device every other minute- people will notice.

Consequently, your ability to converse with the person in front of you, go deeper into topics, and have more individual thought will be leaps and bounds ahead of those whose attention is elsewhere as these skills require attention.

Like a muscle; soft skills like creativity, collaboration and leadership are in more demand than ever. People simply don’t instinctively think to use them anymore.

The double-edged sword of more opportunities combined with more distractions.

Use your attention well.