I’ve noticed that the people at the very top in business can be absolutely shameless. They do not care at all what people think about them and they’re willing to do pretty much anything publicly, despite the judgement that will come their way.
Not caring what people think and focusing on the task at hand works great, but most people are completely unwilling to do this. This is what stands between where they are now and where they want to go in life or in business.
1. People think anyone different from them is an idiot. For example, this is pretty much how the internet functions.
2. In the US, two thirds of adults are overweight. Also, the average annual income is $48,000. If you believe the things that everyone else believes, this is exactly where those beliefs will lead you.
3. People are this way because of their actions. If we believe that going in $200,000 of student debt is the right thing to do for our careers, we will do it.
4. Different results require different actions. If you want different results than average, you must act differently.
5. Taking different actions means you look like an idiot. People think doing this makes you crazy which, related to #1, is because you’re different.
6. Success means you look like an idiot. You act and believe differently from almost anyone around you.
7. Most people are unwilling to look stupid. This is because of biological survival mechanisms in our bodies.
8. If most people are unwilling to look stupid, that means most people will never succeed beyond what’s average.
9. To succeed, be willing to look stupid. It’s a practice. You have to make this decision very single day. The more that you do it, the easier it will get.
Do the thing you’re so afraid of, and your body will slowly realize that it doesn’t need to worry about them.
To learn more about being okay with looking stupid, visit https://www.digitalnomad.com/podcast