5 lessons from for future me
I heard Naval for the first time about a year ago on Tim Ferriss’ podcast, and he has done a wide range of podcasts/conferences before and after that one. Plus Tim did a part 2, which you should check out if you haven’t yet. I haven’t found a website of all the knowledge-bombs he drops so I wanted to aggregate some thoughts. This is my personal highlight, labeled for future reference.
1. Books can be abandoned…
Books can be abandoned in the middle. Or at the beginning. Or the moment you get the main idea and it doesn’t serve you.
At the same time, you can start a book wherever you want. Flip through it, see what grabs your attention. Cherish the gems. The moments that move you. Don’t feel burdened by the sunk cost of books.
“Sometimes people wrap long books around simple ideas.” — Naval Ravikant on Farnam Street Podcast
As with a lot of things Naval says, this can be applied to a bunch of different things — most recently I’ve found applying it to friends/relationships. There’s always a book to capture the imagination. There’s always a friendship that will change your day, week, year. But don’t sweat the notion that you need to conventionally go through the process of reading a book or being a friend at every step. Make the friendship what you want. This is especially apparent throughout my 20’s, as friend break-ups happen more often…because, life man. Life.
2. Mass movements
True for the spread of ideas — as Seth Godin talks about — ideas need a small tribe of people that carry the torch from one person to the next. Facebook had its 10 friends limit. Uber had to fill the seats.
Movements need more than leadership. They need a focal point. A way forward. A place people want to go. This applies to any mass movement, from brands to revolutions. The tricky part is finding those people. Seeking out people that want to change and taking the lead.
3. Career
I agonized over my decision to return for graduate school and ultimately decided to do it because it was intellectually stimulating enough to pursue.
Luckily, graduate school (at least the one I was in) is a process that you can complete in addition to a few other things. I was able to continue my studies and pursue my interests outside of traditional education. I know many people don’t do it, but it’s possible. You get stuck in the culturally acceptable track of a path that is well traveled, but no longer applies. You’re stuck on the wrong side without really knowing it — until it’s too late.
Following curiosity is one thing. Actually having a framework to learn new skills and have an opinion is critical. I’ve been working on being curious lately, reading Mr. Feynman is a heroic example. Next is Leonardo.
If I drill down into what a career is for, Naval’s quote makes more sense. Is it for making money? Is it to sustain a lifestyle for 50-years? From Naval’s tweet, it’s about finding the fundamental interests you have and pursuing those. Don’t worry about bitcoin if you aren’t interested in it. Learn a bit about it, sure. But don’t just jump on board simply because it’s hot right now. It’s a pretty big risk. What if Bitcoin isn’t around in 20+ years (Gasp)?
For me, my career is for changing people — particularly changing behaviours that address climate change and transition us to a low-carbon economy.
4. The importance of self analysis
Do my habits still serve me?
Personal habits are incredibly easy to follow, especially with algorithms pushing us to the next thing to consume.
“To the extent that I do have habits, I’m trying to make them more deliberate” — Naval on Tim Ferriss (working on getting episode link)
Habits really do run my life, so this is a reminder to be more intentional about which ones I keep and which ones I throw out. It’s incredibly difficult to throw out habits, so keeping an eye on ones that don’t serve me long term is critical. In other words, avoid hard drugs…
Since we’re on self-analysis, I disagree with the quote below…
“Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.” — Naval Ravikant (Tim Ferriss)
This is a great quote to think about because, to me, it goes too deep. To desire isn’t to forego — at least not all the time. This is where I think gratitude comes in. How can you set goals, desire a different life or situation but simultaneously be grateful for what you have? There’s a doublethink reference in there somewhere, but I think it’s worth looking at desire differently.
5. Early mid-life crisis
“There’s this bad idea that somehow at the age of 16 to 21, you’re supposed to somehow figure out what you’re going to do for the next 20, 30, 40, 50 years of your life.” — Naval on OffRCRD
This is my favorite quote from Naval recently from OffRCRD. Heading into 27 next year, every friend I have that is around my age feels this — read quarter-life crisis. It’s a story people tell you and it’s completely wrong.
I argue with older generations all the time about how to plan for the future. I know what it’s like to be a 28 or 29 year old better than a 50 year old does. I’ve never been 29, but I know. The world has shifted away from where we were between the 30’s and 90’s. What worked last time simply won’t survive this time. Therefore, I’m closer to the truth. The truth about what to do tomorrow, how to adapt, the projects that I could pursue. Granted, I have fallen into the trap — I’m close to finishing graduate school and I’m sure it helps. But I won’t succeed simply because I went to graduate school. Being a linchpin, being remarkable, requires more than a résumé.
Pursue the projects that interest you and forget about the scripted narrative. It’s not about the certificate. It’s about the work.
This story is published in Noteworthy, where 10,000+ readers come every day to learn about the people & ideas shaping the products we love.
Follow our publication to see more product & design stories featured by the Journal team.
