15 years ago I'd jump into any business idea; I didn’t have the money or the connections to do most things I wanted but I did try a few (car magazine, selling clothes, web design etc).
But in the last few years, I only found one gig that I truly believe in. One that I actually started, despite talking with people about various projects, in different realms and countries, and also considering online grinds.
Truth is, my threshold was quite high. At some point, I was expecting a +90% projected success rate in order to actually start something. This prevented me from starting any project.
Our bar gets higher with aging. We gain experience, and we naturally become more cautious. It’s a self-preservation instinct. So, after coming to terms with my reality, a few months ago, I lowered it to 70%. And, in no time, I was able to say: bingo.
But then you have to start. Which means giving up other things. And telling people about it.
Doing something new can be scary. Family and friends will most likely try to discourage you. Not because they don’t love you but because of that self-preservation instinct I just mentioned. They’ll say things like: “You are this. Stick to what you’ve always done. Competition is high. It’s too risky. What if… At least you have…”
This happened to almost every successful person out there.
Arash Hashemi, the Shred Happens guy, worked in corporate tech and finance-related roles before losing over 100 pounds, teaching himself to cook healthier versions of comfort food, and eventually turning that personal journey into a hugely successful food brand followed by millions online.
Vinh Giang was bullied in school for struggling to speak English after immigrating to Australia, before reinventing himself through magic, communication, and psychology, eventually becoming a globally successful speaker and communication coach.
Steve Peters started out as a maths teacher before retraining as a psychiatrist and later developing the Chimp Model, which became one of the most influential mental performance frameworks used by elite athletes and professionals worldwide.
What did they have in common? They lowered their bar and started anyway.
So once you find something above your threshold, after you’ve done the research, go all in. Overthinking might kill it. Naysayers might kill it. Imposter syndrome might kill it.
Just commit to believing in yourself, and use that as fuel.
And don’t give up.
You can create a lot of things (if you actually start).
This week's action:
Think about the things you want to start but haven't.
Ask yourself: What success rate am I waiting for? 90%? 100%?
Now lower it by 20%. The bar needs to be high enough to filter out bad ideas, but low enough to allow good ones.
Pick your best option and start this week.
Share this with a friend who's ready for a second try.
Thanks for reading,
Valentin