Good is the enemy of great.
-Jim Collins
Want to achieve your dreams?
A great way to do so is with the Charlie Munger approach.
He solves problems by inverting the question.
To understand something, you must also understand what it isn’t.
We’re about to go over the 3 ways to never achieve your dreams.
If you follow these steps, you’re guaranteed to live an average life.
1. Indulge In Hidden Poisons
Mediocrity is the invisible dream killer.
It gives you enough to be comfortable, but not enough to be better.
Comfort dulls your willpower.
It’s a hidden danger because it gradually ends your hunger.
It’s easy to procrastinate when comforts are within reach.
The Millionaire Fastlane explains the distinctions between these mindsets.
Most people avoid buying everything on credit, but get caught in the instant gratification of a 9-5.
This puts a ceiling on your earning ability.
The fastlane mindset avoids this hidden poison by emphasizing long-term growth.
How can you live a life of growth-oriented risk?
Twitter Meditations is great way to keep your fire going.
- You can read more about it here.
2. Surround Yourself With Low-Energy People
You know negative-energy people are bad, but are you aware of the dangers of low-energy people?
These are the ones who never have anything to add.
They leech value by expecting you to babysit them.
It can be tempting to “save them”, especially if you have history with one another.
However, if you’re high-energy, you won’t bring them up.
They’ll simply bring you down.
When you’re having fun or buzzing with enthusiasm, they’ll say or do something to kill the vibe.
In other words, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
How to deal with low-energy people?
Leave them to their own self-created misery.
Instead, surround yourself with those who *elevate* your excitement.
1+1 must = 3.
Do people return your energy?
If not, it’s time to re-arrange your social circle.
3. Never say “NO”
The difference between “good” and “great” is often the ability to say NO.
In fact, Warren Buffett once famously said, “successful people say NO to almost everything”.
Genuine high standards are rare because most people accept the slow-acting poison of “good enough”.
“Be yourself” often translates to “accept mediocrity”.
If you view something as “not that bad” that’s exactly what you’ll get.
“Not that bad” really is “that bad” because it takes your energy away from something (or someone) more deserving.
Sure there’s some value in everything, but it’s important to account for opportunity cost.
Be difficult to get ahold of unless “sold” on the value of an action.
Conclusion
The 3 ways to never achieve your dreams are:
- Indulging in hidden poisons
- Surrounding yourself with low-energy people
- Never saying “NO”
The best way to avoid them is to develop strong boundaries.
These emerge out of your principles, identity, and overall self-worth.
It’s all connected.
Want access to more powerful insights?
Read “Twitter Meditations“.
It’s a collection of golden maxims proven to help increase income, develop better relationships, attain greater freedom, and live a better life!
Enjoy.
-M.I.
Pingback: An Astonishing Overview Of Systems Thinking - Little Pointers To Make You More Efficient - Mister Infinite