Scott D. Clary

I host the Success Story Podcast (Top 10 Business Pod) & write a free weekly newsletter to 321k people. https://scottdclary.komi.io/

[scottdclary]

Bikeshedding

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Have you ever been in a meeting where the choice of coffee for the break room sparked a passionate hour-long debate? Meanwhile, the business strategy for the next quarter – the real reason you're all there – barely got a nod.

That's Parkinson's Law of Triviality, or bikeshedding.

Cyril Northcote Parkinson showed us this with an example of a committee assigned to build a nuclear plant.

On the grounds of the proposed nuclear power plant was a proposed bike shed for employees of the plant to store their bikes while they worked.

Meeting after meeting, the employees spent more time discussing details of the simple bike shed issue and barely glanced at the complex nuclear reactor plans.

Why? Maybe fear, maybe confusion.

Here’s a possible explanation, complexity is like deep water.

We stick to the small things because they're easy. It's like floating in the shallow end.

Source

In the boardroom, everyone’s a critic on something like logo fonts. It's simple, it's subjective, it’s the safe zone.

But ask about the ROI on a big project? You could hear a pin drop.

We lose ourselves in minor details and miss the major issues. Like obsessing over a font when you should be crafting a winning strategy.

But you can conquer bikeshedding. Try this:

Set a laser-focused agenda. Stick to it like glue. Each topic gets just enough time, no more.

Dive into the deep end first. Address the big stuff while brains are fresh.

Small team, big thinking. Less people, less noise, more action.

One voice to rule them all. Ideas are team sport, decisions are not. Appoint a decider.

Knowing about bikeshedding is just step one. Acting on it, that's the leap.

So, at your next meeting, prioritize.

Are you talking about the shed's color while your project's own nuclear reactor gets sidelined?

It’s not about the shed. It's about the journey ahead.

Focus on the destination, not the distractions.

That's the key. That's what pushes you forward.

[scottdclary]

Power Saving Mode

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Imagine your life as a smartphone.

It's an odd comparison, isn't it? But bear with me.

Your energy? It's the battery that keeps the screen lit, the apps running, the calls connecting.

Every aspect of your life – relationships, hobbies, work, personal goals, even self-talk – these are your apps.

Some apps, like a nourishing chat with an old friend, barely sip on the battery. Others, like an all-night worry marathon, guzzle power like a broken GPS app lost in a digital wilderness.

Ever noticed your phone when it's bursting at the seams with too many apps?

Sluggish. Unresponsive. Drained.

It’s not just the running apps, it’s the silent ones in the background, sipping on your power, bit by tiny bit.

This is your life when overcommitted and under-energized.

Your phone would tell you, if it could: Audit me. Update me.

Would you listen?

So you start. Swipe up, press 'x'.

The soul-sucking meeting that could’ve been an email? Uninstalled.

The friend who only calls to download their daily drama? Subscription cancelled.

And that app in your mind that whispers you're never enough? Deleted.

Next, you install updates.

Meditation. Yoga. A walk in the park. These aren’t just activities. They're the new apps that safeguard your battery life.

Suddenly, your screen is brighter. Responses, snappier. Battery life? It stretches comfortably through the day.

And self-talk? It's no longer a looping track of hits from the 'Greatest Criticisms' album. It’s more like a personalized pep talk from your number one fan.

In this narrative, we're not slaves to the charger cord, desperately clinging to the last 1% of our day.

We are the curators of our energy.

We recognize our power to uninstall, to update, to recharge.

We become adept at not just conserving energy but amplifying it.

This is the untapped potential of personal development through the lens of a smartphone.

Manage your apps. Manage your life. Keep your battery charged and your operations smooth.

And at the end of the day, when you plug in, it’s not out of desperation. It's a conscious choice to recharge, refresh, renew.

In a world where we're all just looking for a little more battery life, this is the ultimate power save mode.

Your legacy isn't how long you kept the screen on.

It's what you did with the power you had while it was.

[scottdclary]

Mindful Growth Through Minimalist Gamification

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

In the heart of Silicon Valley, a CEO starts her day. Not with a phone full of apps, but with a single notepad. One goal at a time.

Here's a secret: She's playing a game.

Not with high scores or flashy avatars, but with her habits. Her mind. Her clutter.

She's a minimalist in a maximalist world.

She's a gamer in the game of growth.

Here's the twist: Minimalism isn't about having less. It's about making room for more.

More growth. More mindfulness. More mastery.

Consider chess. Simple board. Limited pieces. Infinite possibilities.

Now, apply that to life.

Declutter your space. That's your board. Focus your actions. Those are your pieces. Pursue growth. That's your strategy.

The reward? It isn't a trophy. It's clarity.

We often see gamification as a complex system of rewards. But what if it's the simplicity that makes the game worth playing?

It's not about adding layers. It's about peeling them back.

Let's take gamification back to its roots.

Simple goals. Wake up early. Immediate rewards. A serene morning.

Now, combine that with a growth mindset.

Every setback is not a loss, but a lesson. Every "game over" is a new beginning.

Here's how you start:

Choose one habit you want to establish.

Define the simplest action that signifies progress.

Treat each action as a move in the game.

Reward yourself with something non-material: time, space, peace.

Remember, the CEO with her notepad?

Her game isn't Angry Birds. It's not even chess.

It's Mindful Growth Through Minimalist Gamification.

And you can play it too.

You can turn the mundane into a mission. The routine into a ritual.

You can turn your personal development journey into a game.

And when you do?

You win more than just points. You win the game of life.

In a world obsessed with more, choose to want less. Because in this game, less is your secret weapon.

Start with less clutter, less noise. End with more focus, more joy.

Begin your minimalist game today.

The CEO will tell you, when you reach the end of the board, it's not just about where your pieces are.

It's about how well you played the game.

Game on.

[scottdclary]

Attracting Empire Builders

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Once you start charging for a product or service in the B2B arena, you're rolling out a red carpet. Not for customers, but for empire builders.

You're selling to people who are building businesses, companies, empires.

Think about it.

In a garage, two friends are developing an innovative SaaS tool. It's free. Users like it. But nobody's building empires on it.

Flip the switch.

Start charging for that tool. Suddenly, the tone changes.

Enterprise clients aren't just clients. They're empire builders.

These are companies, big and small, looking to bolster their fortresses with your product as a cornerstone.

In the world of B2B, especially in tech, data analytics, cybersecurity, or advanced software solutions, this is more than a transaction. It's a strategic move.

A chess game, where your product is the queen.

Now, here's the catch: Don't be afraid. Be prepared.

Understand their motives.

Empire builders don't just want a tool. They want a weapon.

A weapon to outperform competitors, to innovate, or to streamline operations.

So, how do you deal with them?

First, know your product inside and out. Be clear on how it can be used, misused, and everything in between.

Then, understand their empire. What are they building? What do they need?

This isn't just selling; it's matchmaking at a grand scale.

Next, set boundaries. Your product, your rules. Ensure your product enhances their empire without compromising yours.

Finally, evolve with them. Their empires will grow, and so should your product.

Here’s a thought:

"Charge for value, not time or cost." Your product isn't a commodity. It's a key piece in their empire-building game. Price it accordingly.

And remember, every big player started as a small one.

Treat every client as a potential empire builder. Because one day, they just might be.

Your product isn’t just a product.

In the right hands, it's a cornerstone of an empire.

So, when empire builders come knocking, welcome them. Just be sure to keep your wits about you.

Because in the world of B2B, it's not just business.

It's empires rising and falling. And your product is the stone they're looking to build with.

[scottdclary]

Doing and Thinking are Reciprocal Practices

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

"Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world." Goethe threw these words into the wind, but few really catch them.

Here's an unconventional truth: Doing and thinking are not separate lanes on the highway to success; they are the very road itself.

Imagine a chess grandmaster. Eyes darting across the board. In each move, a universe of thoughts. In each thought, a potential move.

Now, transpose this to the realm of business.

The entrepreneur's journey is not linear. It's a dance. Alternating between action and contemplation.

Let's break some myths.

Myth 1: First think, then do. Reality: Thinking and doing are simultaneous.

Each action feeds back into thought. Each thought propels into action.

Ever heard of the Lean Startup? Build. Measure. Learn. Not a sequence. A cycle.

Myth 2: Overthinking leads to perfection. Reality: Overthinking often leads to paralysis.

Perfect is the enemy of good. Good enough, iterated upon, becomes great.

Your greatest creation isn't your product or service. It's the machine you build that bridges your thoughts and actions.

[scottdclary]

You're Right. About Everything. Right Now.

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Right now, at this very moment, you're right. About everything.

Strange, isn't it?

But think about it.

Your beliefs, your visions, your goals.

They're a snapshot. A moment in time that is unarguably yours. It's like a photo. That moment, frozen, is right because it's real.

Now, does that mean you'll be right tomorrow? Or that you were right yesterday?

That's not the point.

The point is: confidence isn't about perpetual rightness. It's about owning your present truth.

Let's dive into this.

Jeff Bezos once said, "It's not an experiment if you know it's going to work." Imagine the mindset here.

He wasn't sure about every step. But he was right about his vision at that moment.

Bezos's Amazon wasn't built in a day. Nor was it built on certainty.

It was built on a series of present truths.

Your confidence should be a reflection of that.

Not a guarantee of future success. But a badge of current belief.

Your present truth is your compass.

Not convinced?

Think about the greatest discoveries, the boldest ventures. They started as beliefs that were right at that moment.

The Wright brothers. They were right about flying when everyone else was wrong.

But only right for that moment.

In another time, they'd have been dreamers with heads in the clouds.

The lesson?

Your current perspective is your reality.

Don't shy away from it. Embrace it.

Be bold in your present truth.

And remember, just as a photograph captures a moment, your beliefs capture your now.

They might change. And that's okay.

Because, in this moment, as you stand aligned with your goals and values,

You're exactly right.

And that, my friends, is the bedrock of confidence.

Remember, your present truth is not an anchor, but a sail.

It propels you forward, guided by the winds of your current convictions.

Tomorrow, you might adjust your course.

But today?

You're navigating perfectly.

[scottdclary]

You Don't Have To See The Whole Staircase

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

"Take the first step in faith, you don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first steps." - Martin Luther King Jr.

This isn't about grandiose achievements. It's about everyday actions.

You're waiting for perfection. Stop.

Perfection is the enemy.

We all do it. Wait for the perfect moment. The perfect product. The perfect skill level.

But here's the truth: Perfection is a mirage.

Your new project? That skill you want to learn? They're in limbo. Waiting for you to move.

The first step is daunting. You fear judgment. Flaws. Failure.

Remember the Wright Brothers. Their first flight wasn't perfect. It was barely a flight. But it was a start.

Redefine success. It's not about a flawless first go. It's about the bravery to begin.

Take action.

Write that first blog post. It might be raw. That's fine.

Record your first video. You might fumble words. That's normal.

Make your first social media post. It might not get likes. That's okay.

This is about your first step. Not perfection.

In every attempt, there's potential.

Your journey starts with a single, imperfect step.

So, what's holding you back?

Forget the whole staircase. Focus on that first step.

Today. Now. Imperfectly.

[scottdclary]

Mastering the Art of Rapid Learning

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein.

A statement not just of humility, but of profound wisdom.

Curiosity isn't just a child's plaything. It's a rocket fuel for learning.

Let’s dissect how to hack your curiosity to learn anything faster and better.

Step One: Embrace the Unknown Like a Friend.

Our education system often mistakes memorization for learning. But real learning? It begins with a simple, "I don't know."

Embracing ignorance isn't a weakness. It's the starting line of your race towards knowledge.

Step Two: Question Everything. Literally.

Why? How? What if?

These aren't just questions. They're keys. Keys that unlock the doors to understanding and insight.

Socrates famously said, "I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think."

Make thinking your new habit.

Step Three: Turn the World into Your Classroom.

Learning isn't confined to four walls and a chalkboard.

Talk to people. Read books, not just articles. Listen to podcasts. Watch documentaries.

Every interaction is a lesson waiting to happen.

Step Four: Connect the Dots.

Steve Jobs believed creativity was just connecting things.

He wasn't wrong.

Use your curiosity to link ideas from different worlds. Combine art and science. Merge history and technology.

These intersections are where innovation is born.

Step Five: Fail, and Fail Better.

Every failure is a lesson in disguise.

Embrace it. Learn from it. Move forward.

As J.K. Rowling put it, “It is impossible to live without failing at something.”

Step Six: Reflect and Repeat.

End each day with reflection.

What did you learn? How can you apply it?

This isn't just about knowledge. It's about wisdom.

Remember:

Your brain is like a muscle. Curiosity is its workout.

Train it. Feed it. Challenge it.

The world is a library, and every person in it, a book.

So, read widely. Think deeply. Ask boldly.

Curiosity isn't just about learning faster or better.

It's about turning every day into an adventure in learning.

Start today.

[scottdclary]

The Truth Behind Time

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

"Show me your calendar, and I'll show you your priorities."

"I don't have time."

We've all said it. We've all heard it.

But here's the kicker.

It's not about time. It's about priorities.

That book you wanted to write? The business idea you wanted to explore? The family time you wanted to increase?

Not happening? It's not a time issue.

It's a priority issue.

Every time we say, "I don't have time," we're actually saying, "It's not a priority."

It's tough to swallow. But it's liberating.

Imagine a world where we're honest. Honest with ourselves. Honest with others.

"I can't make it to the meeting. Your project isn't my priority right now."

Sounds harsh? But it's transparent.

And in this transparency lies freedom.

Freedom from the illusion of time scarcity. Freedom to admit what truly matters to us.

Now, here's where it gets interesting.

Changing our language changes our thinking.

Instead of "I don't have time," try, "It's not my priority."

Feel the difference?

It's like a mini reality check. Every. Single. Time.

You're not just passing on a task. You're making a conscious choice about what matters to you.

And guess what? That's perfectly fine.

Not everything can be a priority. We're human, not machines.

But let's stop the charade.

Let's call it what it is.

A choice.

A reflection of our true priorities.

So, the next time you're about to say, "I don't have time," pause.

Reflect.

Are you really out of time? Or is it just not high enough on your list?

Embrace this clarity.

It's not about having time. It's about making time.

For what truly counts.

Remember, our choices are our priorities, and our priorities are our truth.

Your calendar isn't just a schedule. It's a statement of your values.

Let's be honest about it.

[scottdclary]

Expanding Inputs for Expansive Outputs

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Leonardo da Vinci didn't just paint. He wasn't just an engineer. He was a renaissance man in the truest sense.

But what does a 15th-century polymath have to do with today's entrepreneurial landscape?

Everything.

Leonardo didn’t just absorb facts. He collected puzzle pieces.

Art. Engineering. Anatomy. Astronomy. Botany. Geology.

Each, a different domain. Each, a piece of the puzzle. Together, they formed masterpieces like the Mona Lisa or the Vitruvian Man.

In our hyper-specialized world, this might seem counterintuitive.

We are often told: "Focus on one thing. Be the best at it."

But here's a thought: What if expanding our inputs is the key to expanding our impact?

Think about a puzzle. With more pieces, the picture gets more complex, more intricate, more fascinating.

That’s how creativity works.

It’s not a limited resource. It’s not just a series of facts. It's an ecosystem of ideas, experiences, and knowledge.

When we silo ourselves, we limit our pieces. When we broaden our horizons, we collect more.

A tech entrepreneur understanding behavioral psychology. A marketer delving into data science. An artist exploring technology.

Unexpected combinations. Unanticipated solutions.

Steve Jobs once said, "Creativity is just connecting things."

He connected calligraphy with computing. The result? The Mac's revolutionary typography.

So, here’s the modern-day challenge:

Don't just be a specialist. Be a polymath in training.

Collect puzzle pieces from everywhere. A book on philosophy. A course in coding. A podcast on ancient history.

You might find that the solution to a complex problem lies in the knowledge gleaned from a seemingly unrelated field.

And remember, it’s not just about hoarding these pieces. It's about seeing the connections, making the links.

Leonardo da Vinci didn't just accumulate knowledge; He wove it together into a tapestry of brilliance.

That’s your task.

Expand your inputs. Interconnect your knowledge. Watch as your outputs — your ideas, your solutions, your impact — grow exponentially.

Be like da Vinci. Your Mona Lisa awaits.

[scottdclary]

Beyond the Bias

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

In 1974, psychologists Tversky and Kahneman introduced the concept of the Anchoring Bias. But what does this have to do with global conflicts and political ideologies today?

Everything.

Picture this: A world leader makes a bold claim on national television. The numbers quoted become an anchor. Later, even if corrected, the first number sticks. This isn't just numbers. It's about how initial exposures shape our entire understanding of complex issues.

Let's journey deeper.

Confirmation Bias. We love to be right. So, we cherry-pick. We gather facts that support our view, ignoring the rest. It's not about truth; it's about comfort. In politics, this bias can transform parties into echo chambers, where only one song is sung.

Look at global conflicts through this lens. How often do our preconceptions color our understanding of an issue? How frequently do we only listen to the side echoing our beliefs?

Enter the Dunning-Kruger Effect. It's a double-whammy. Not only do we lack expertise, but we're blissfully unaware of this lack. We become armchair generals, backseat diplomats, confident in our shallow puddle of knowledge.

But it's not just about being wrong. It's about not knowing what we don't know.

Now, let's flip the script with Contrarian Thinking.

What if these biases aren't shackles but stepping stones?

Awareness is the first step. Recognizing these biases in ourselves can be like taking off tinted glasses. Suddenly, the world isn't just blue or red. It's a spectrum.

We start asking questions:

What if the other side has a point?

Where might my initial information be anchoring my thoughts?

Am I informed enough to make this judgment?

Imagine the conversations we could have. The bridges we could build.

In global conflicts and political arenas, these aren't just cognitive games. They're the tools that shape policies, affect millions, and write history.

Your biases aren't just filters on your world view. They're the architects of the world we're building.

Unmask them. Challenge them.

It might just be how we find our way to a more understanding and less polarized world.

Because in the end, it's not just about being right. It's about getting it right.

[scottdclary]

The Art Of Acknowledgment

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Ever felt that rush when someone says, “Great job”? Or that swelling pride when your efforts are spotlighted?

It's not just a feeling. It's our innate human yearning. We want to be seen, to be recognized.

Companies rise and fall, but those who master the art of acknowledgment?

They last forever.

Take Apple. They didn't just sell tech. They made their users feel innovative, different, part of a select club.

Or Starbucks. It's not just coffee. It's your name on a cup, a space where you belong.

But what if your product isn't inherently 'special'?

Here's the secret : It's not always about the product itself.

Even if your product doesn't sparkle or isn't the next shiny object, Your commitment to every person that interacts with your business should.

Craft a community. A space where customers feel they're part of something bigger, something exclusive.

Your service? Make it impeccable. Ensure every interaction, every query, every grievance is handled with genuine care.

And commitment. Ah, commitment. Never underestimate its power. The promise of standing by your offering, your word, your customer?

That's gold.

So, what's the billion-dollar business idea?

Make people feel significant.

But here’s the twist: You can't fake it.

People know when you're checking boxes. They sense when it's genuine.

You see, validation isn't just about saying "good job." It's about understanding why the job was good in the first place.

Think of the Michelin Star restaurants. It's not just about the food. It’s the story, the experience, the acknowledgment that you’re partaking in something unparalleled.

Consider this: Most ads today aren't selling products. They're selling identities, feelings, memberships.

Why? Because they've tuned into something profound.

Your wallet opens not just for the product, But for how it, or its brand, makes you feel.

“You matter.” Three simple words, yet so underutilized.

As Maya Angelou once mused, “...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

If you're entering the business world, Or scaling new peaks, Remember this:

You're not just offering a service or a product.

You're granting validation.

Turns out, the most lucrative currency isn't gold or Bitcoin.

It's acknowledgment.

So, entrepreneurs and magnates, as you chase after the next big thing,

Will you merely satisfy a need, or will you make your customers feel seen?

[scottdclary]

Peace Of Mind Is The New Rich

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Entrepreneurs hustle 24/7, chasing numbers on a screen. We're sold the dream: Bigger bank balance, better life.

But what if this is the wrong treasure hunt?

Peace of mind. It's the new rich.

Billboards scream luxury cars and ritzy vacations. Yet, behind closed doors, tales of burnouts and insomnia echo.

Now, think about Tom, a small-town teacher. Not a millionaire. No Lamborghini. Yet, he smiles more. Sleeps well. Loves deeply.

Money in the bank? Maybe not. Rich in life? Absolutely.

The value of serenity is rising, while gold and stocks fluctuate.

James Thurber once said, "All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why."

Run to peace, not just profit.

A $100,000 paycheck is mute if anxiety robs its joy. But a simple meal shared in laughter? That's a king's feast.

Contrarian? Yes. But also clear-eyed realism.

Imagine peace of mind as a currency. How rich would you be? Could you afford a day without worry?

Money can't buy peace of mind. But here's the catch.

Peace of mind can make you richer.

Rational decisions, stronger relationships, and authentic creativity. All born from a calm mind.

Business magnates build empires. Yet many seek meditation gurus. Why?

Because there is no inner tranquility.

The world shifts. From bank statements to breaths. From equity to equanimity.

Seek success, but don't neglect serenity.

Finish the hustle, then sit still. Listen. Breathe. Find your peace.

Peace of mind is the new billionaire status. 

[scottdclary]

The Map Is Not the Territory

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Ever tried navigating a bustling city with a map from the 1980s? Turns out, the city is the same, but the map has changed.

John’s Coffee Shop, a bustling locale in New York, changed hands three times in a decade. On paper, every owner was a savvy entrepreneur. Yet, two of them failed, one succeeded wildly. The difference? Their perception of the territory.

Fact: Every business operates with models. Forecasts. Predictions. Templates. Maps. But, as Alfred Korzybski reminded us, "the map is not the territory."

John's first owner, a techie, automated everything. He trusted algorithms to dictate coffee preferences, manage inventory, and even select music. His map: technology-driven efficiency equals success.

The second owner went retro. Vintage furniture. Manual registers. A return to the "good old days." His map: people long for nostalgia.

The third, a young barista-turned-owner, constantly interacted with customers. She tweaked the menu based on conversations, adjusted seating arrangements from observations, and kept a flexible approach. Her map: listen, adapt, and evolve.

Two static maps. One dynamic terrain. Guess who thrived?

Our businesses, like cities, are dynamic, ever-changing. But we, time and again, clutch outdated maps thinking they'll guide us.

Tesla didn’t dominate by following the traditional auto industry's map. They redrew it.

Netflix didn’t rise by mimicking Blockbuster. They envisioned a new landscape.

Yet, countless businesses cling to their maps. After all, it's reassuring to follow a blueprint. But what if that blueprint is outdated or just plain wrong?

Consider the Titanic. Best nautical map of its time. Top-notch navigation tools. But, it wasn’t the map that failed; it was the iceberg not on it. A dynamic, unforeseen component of the territory.

So, how do we operate in a world where our business maps might be leading us astray?

Embrace Uncertainty: Every map has blind spots. Anticipate them.

Stay Curious: The world changes. Regularly revisit and revise your maps.

Interact with the Terrain: Get out there. Feel the ground. Talk to people. Real-time feedback trumps theoretical models.

Remember Blockbuster’s decline? They had a map. A good one. But when the terrain changed with the rise of digital streaming, their map became obsolete.

Conversely, Apple, under Jobs, was known to pivot on a dime. iPod's success? iPhone’s creation? Responses to a changing territory.

Lastly, a nod to Nassim Taleb, the author who’s talked extensively about "Black Swan" events. Events so rare, so unpredictable, they’re not on anyone’s map. Yet, they shape terrains. Businesses that thrive, Taleb argues, aren’t those with the best maps, but those most adaptable when off the map.

So, as you chart your business journey, remember:

Your map is a guide, not gospel. The real magic happens when you dare to traverse the unmapped, the unpredictable, the unknown.

Because in the end, it's not about having the best map, but being the best explorer.

[scottdclary]

Life Will Always Evades Equations

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Imagine a masterful painting. Each brushstroke, a deliberate choice. Some strokes chaotic, others serene.

Now picture trying to decode it using formulas. Absurd, isn't it?

Yet, that's how we often approach life. A puzzle to decode. An equation to balance. A sum to solve.

Alan Watts once whispered, "Life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced."

We forget.

We treat emotions as variables. Happiness, a result to be optimized.

The job promotion. The bigger house. The ideal relationship. We're convinced they'll solve our life's equation.

But what if life wasn't meant for solving? What if, like art, it's meant for feeling?

Consider Van Gogh's Starry Night. To the mathematician, swirling patterns. To the artist, passion and turbulence.

In the realm of business?

Take Apple. It wasn’t just about creating a phone. It was about reimagining communication.

Or Starbucks. Not about selling coffee. But crafting an experience.

Companies that thrive don’t merely solve problems. They paint stories. They curate experiences. They craft realities.

This isn't a call to abandon logic. It’s a nudge to appreciate life's nuanced tapestry.

Your failures? Dark hues adding depth. Your triumphs? Bright splashes of color.

Your experiences aren't for solving. They’re for savoring.

Remember when you were a kid? Every moment, a masterpiece in the making.

You didn’t solve play. You lived it.

So, next time life feels like an unsolvable math problem, Stop. Take a step back.

Admire the art you’re creating. The messy. The beautiful. The intricate.

Life isn’t a series of problems waiting for solutions. It’s a canvas craving your unique touch.

Life isn't an equation. It's an art exhibition. And every day, you're the artist.

[scottdclary]

Not Any People, The Right People

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

Two young artists sat in a bustling café, sketching passersby. Both talented, both unknown.

They had a wager: Who could get more people to look at their work?

One artist, eager and enthusiastic, darted around, shoving sketches under everyone’s noses.

Look here! See this! He chased after everyone in sight.

The other artist, more selective, quietly observed and chose her audience.

She approached a young couple, lost in each other's eyes. And an elderly man, reminiscing past loves.

She showed them intimate sketches of lovers, connecting with their current emotions. They didn't just see; they felt.

End of the day, guess who had more genuine admirers?

It's the same in business.

Shouting about your product to everyone?

That's just noise.

Finding those whose heartbeats sync with your offering?

That's music.

In the world of Malcolm Gladwell, "stickiness" was about how to make ideas memorable.

But today, we're proposing a tweak.

Stickiness is less about volume and more about resonance.

You've heard, "Build it, and they will come." Try this on for size: Build it for those who are searching.

In the vast sea of consumers, not every fish is your fish.

Some businesses are like the first artist. Chasing numbers. Spreading wide nets.

Others, like the second artist, Target. Resonate. Stick.

Have a product for vegan fitness enthusiasts? Chase the plant-based athlete, not every Tom, Dick, and Harry in the gym.

Selling bespoke office furniture? Target the thriving startup CEO who values uniqueness, not just any desk jockey.

You see, In the chase for everyone, you often end up with no one.

But in the pursuit of someone, you create bonds, loyalty, and an echo that vibrates through their circles.

"People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it." Simon Sinek wasn't kidding.

The world doesn't need more noise. It yearns for more symphonies.

So, next time you think of stickiness, think connection, not collection.

Find your tribe, speak their language, and watch them not just hear, but listen.

[scottdclary]

Imagined Limitations

Hi All,

Here’s my daily newsletter navigating the crossroads of business, growth, and life.

If you love this content (please share it), but also…

Check out my Podcast, connect with me on YouTube / Twitter, Subscribe to my weekly newsletter and Join our free slack community

---

In a quaint village, there was an old sculptor, known to create statues so lifelike that they seemed ready to breathe. When asked about his secret, he replied, "I don’t create. I simply remove the excess."

Humans are like his sculptures. Beneath the layers of doubt, fear, and societal expectations, lies our true form - The Ultimate Adapters.

We've conquered deserts, not because of camels, but because of resilience.

We've scaled the highest peaks, not because of gear, but because of indomitable spirit.

We've delved the depths of the oceans, not because of submarines, but because of our innate curiosity.

Yet, what's truly remarkable isn't that we can adapt. It's the speed and finesse with which we do it.

Consider language. One of humanity's most fascinating tools. From grunts and signs, we've created languages so intricate, they capture the essence of entire cultures.

Our capacity to adapt isn't just about survival. It’s about creation, innovation, evolution.

A child falls, learns, stands up, and walks again. An athlete fails, trains harder, and emerges victorious. Entrepreneurs stumble, pivot, and build empires.

All driven by the same force - the power to adapt.

Henry Ford remarked, "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." Instead, he imagined the unimaginable and gave us cars.

Here's where the twist lies.

Our biology? Not a limit. Our history? Not a chain. Our circumstances? Merely starting points.

The only real limitation? Our imagination.

The irony? Our imagination has no boundaries. Except the ones we set.

In this ever-evolving world of business, this insight isn’t just food for thought. It's the recipe.

Every challenge you face, every problem you encounter, remember: You're not carving a new statue from scratch. You’re simply chiseling away the excess.

Because at our core, we’re already masterpieces, waiting to come alive. Imagine that.