“Life is too short to be living anyone else’s dream.”
-Hugh Hefner
The man, the myth, the legend.
Growing up, it seemed like everyone wanted to be Hugh Hefner.
But for all the respect he commanded, very few people have asked themselves:
“How did he make it all happen?”
And that’s what we’re about to do.
Here are the key life lessons from Hugh Hefner.
Where Did It All Begin?
Hef was born to a family descended from Puritans and spent much of his childhood drawing + writing.
Early jobs included:
- Ad copywriter for a department store.
- Copywriter for Esquire Magazine
- Promotion manager for Children’s Activities magazine
While all this was going on, he was making plans to launch his own magazine full of cartoons for adults.
This Idea Would Become “Playboy magazine”,
Which Would Launch In 1953.
A brand born out of fun.
This is the essence the brand revolves around.
Similar magazines existed at the time, but Hef was the first to blend it with other columns and take it mainstream.
These columns included:
- Interviews with fascinating people / celebs
- Fiction / non-fiction
- Short stories
- Jokes
- and more
In the beginning, the entire company was created in his bedroom.
Now, Playboy has expanded into a global media, entertainment, and lifestyle company.
It manages media (content) and licensing.
- Logos
- Trademarks
- And images
for use in connection with consumer goods, venues, and events.
It also distributes content, products, and events.
The company has branched into:
- Movie, cable, and digital production
- Sold its own line of clothing and jewelry
- And opened clubs, resorts, and casinos.
But How Did He Become A Playboy?
Despite the reputation everyone knows him for, Hef was still a virgin at 22.
He even married the first woman he ever slept with.
When she cheated on him, it was the single most devastating experience of his life.
Out Of This Shock, He Re-Invented Himself.
Hef actively created + designed his own character.
“What I was doing, in effect, was putting myself in an imaginative world where I put myself center stage. I came out from behind the desk and became the living personification of the dreams and fantasies that were in the magazine.”
-Hugh Hefner
This is a common strategy among playboys.
They optimize their positioning to attract instead of chase.
Part Of This Strategy Is Creating Engaging Environments People Want To Be A Part Of.
There’s a reason why you can’t hear the word “Playboy” without thinking of the Playboy mansion.
It’s become synonymous with Hef, his magazine, and the lifestyle itself.
The mansion is the center home base for Hef’s entire vision.
It includes:
- A zoo with free-range exotic birds
- A famous stone grotto
- Movie theater
- Game room
The parties hosted there have become the stuff of legend, with many celebrities and interesting people attending.
This “aura” has rubbed off onto the brand and helped make it what it is.
Conclusion
- Re-invent yourself
- Create + design your own character
- Build your own world / culture with you at the center
- Copywriting grants you a life of freedom
- Make your domain attractive
- Create engaging environments + events people want to be a part of
- Biz should be a vehicle to optimize lifestyle
Love him or hate him, Hugh Hefner remains one of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century.
The “Playboy Bunny logo” is up there with the Nike Swoosh, McDonald’s Arches, and Disney’s signature.
His life is a testimony to the power of creating your own character + reality.
P.S. Want to learn more about getting better game? Read “ON! For Him“.
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My name is Mister Infinite. I've written 300+ articles for people who want more out of life. Within this website you will find the motivation and action steps to live a better lifestyle.
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