Have a bias towards action.
Fail Fast, Fail Forward.
Get after it.
There’s no question this is great advice for anyone that wants to find success (especially that last one)
But…
There’s always 2 sides to a coin.
Up and down…
Hot and cold…
Success and failure.
Sometimes the best way to find the path to success is to define the path to failure and make sure to avoid it.
It’s easy to think that most successful people possess some brilliance not given to ordinary mortals.
However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find many of the most successful people got there by consistently avoiding obvious mistakes.
In the words of the mathematician Carl Jacobi: “Invert, always invert.”
It’s logical to ask “If I want to get from A to B, then what must I do to get there?”
But sometimes the best way to find an answer is by flipping the question on its head and asking:
“What you must I absolutely avoid.”
Let me explain.
First, here’s a practical guide to applying inversion:
- Clearly define what you want to achieve
- Make a list of everything you must do to make sure the complete OPPOSITE happens
- Create routines that build habits which automatically help you avoid the things on your list
You can use this in life and in business.
Want a better relationship with your spouse or significant other?
Then ask:
What would it take to have a miserable relationship? (I know in a world of “positive thinking” how dare I even mention the word miserable)
- Always put work first
- Make sure your partner feels second to everything else
- Forget birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions
You get the point… I’m sure you could add a few more.
(here’s the most important part)
Now, create routines that build habits which automatically help you avoid the things on your “not to do” list.
(After writing this, I literally marked my wedding anniversary on my calendar with a 1-week reminder alert)
Here’s a Pro Tip for success:
The more you rely on habits, not willpower, the more likely you are to follow through, consistently show up and achieve your goal.
How about business?
If you want to build a highly successful, profitable and predictable business…
Then here are a few things you can do to guarantee a hard path to business success:
- Never reinvest profits back into your business
- Only work when you feel motivated
- Avoid mentorship and guidance
- Get distracted by shiny objects and ignore the vital few
- Be oblivious to key metrics… the numbers just work themselves out
- Avoid marketing, it’s not what you do
Again, I’m sure there’s a few more you could add here.
(remember, here’s the most important part)
Ask yourself, what routines can you create TODAY that build habits which automatically help you avoid the things on your “not to do” list.
I really encourage you to take 10 minutes and make your own “not to do” list.
It’s surprisingly fun and you’ll be amazed at the insights you’ll get from flipping your question upside down.
Do this and you’ll now have your own personalized success blueprint.
One of the best ways to achieve success is to simply avoid making obvious mistakes.
Like our good friend Mr. Munger loves to say:
“Tell me where I’m going to die, that is, so I don’t go there.”
Charlie Munger
Now…
Get after it 🙂
All the best,
Bryan “invert, always invert” Bowman