The directions to get you anywhere include a few turns. The same is true in life, whether for business success or personal happiness. You need to switch strategies a few times to get where you want to go.
Read the full original article Switch Strategies.
By Derek Sivers
The directions to get you anywhere include a few turns. The same is true in life, whether for business success or personal happiness. You need to switch strategies a few times to get where you want to go.
“Stay the course” is bad advice because if you don’t turn at one of those intersections, you’ll carry on forever in the wrong direction. And it takes a long time to turn around.
Early in your career, when you are searching for success, the best strategy is to say yes to everything. Reach way outside your current circles. Do it all, and give it your all, no matter how small.
"The more things you try, and the more people you meet, the better. (They’re a little like lottery tickets.) You never know what random tiny connection could become your big break."
Then when you notice that one thing is extra-rewarding, it’s time to switch strategies. Double-down and focus all of your considerable capacity on this one thing.
Be a freak, and go above and beyond all expectations, to master this niche with everything you’ve got. Timing is crucial. Don’t be leisurely. Strike while it’s hot. You don’t get extreme results without extreme actions.
If by chance it was a dead-end road, then switch strategies back to the broad, with equal enthusiasm as before. How you do anything is how you do everything. You’re being tested.
Suddenly your focus on one thing will pay off. Because you’re successful, you’ll be overwhelmed with opportunities and offers in your field. Because they’re all so rewarding, you’ll want to do them all.
But this is where you need to switch strategies again. This is where you learn to say “hell yeah or no”, to prevent drowning.
Now you admit you’ve arrived at your first destination. This is where you stop driving the same direction, and decide where you’re going next. Whether somewhere completely different, or just deeper down that path, the way to get there is to switch strategies again.
Say yes to everything Meet everyone. Pursue every opportunity. Nothing is too small. Do it all. Like lottery tickets. You never know which one will win. So the more, the better. Follow-up and keep in touch with everyone.
Learn the multiplying skills Speaking, writing, psychology, design, conversation, 2nd language, persuasion, programming, meditation/focus. Not pursued on their own, they’re skills that multiply the success of your main pursuit. (A pilot who’s also a great writer and public speaker.) (A chef with a mastery of psychology, persuasion, and design.) These skills multiply the results of your efforts and give you an edge over others in your field.
Pursue market value, not personal value Do what pays well. Do not be the starving artist, working on things that have great personal value to you, but little market value. Follow the money. It tells you where you’re most valuable. Don’t try to make a career out of everything you love. For example, sex.