Building Strength pt.2

Self-Knowledge

“Understanding what you do and don’t know is the key to playing games you can win” (57) 

My First Big Rejection

I had a rude awakening to this when I was a junior in college and I pitched my first startup idea. It was a code-heavy app that helped people cook, manage their grocery shopping and organize their kitchen all in one. I was convinced I had hit the jackpot. Then a successful entrepreneur came to speak to my class and after he spoke, I pitched him my idea. His first question sunk me. 

“Why you?” 

Wow.

I had no answer. The only reason was that I came up with the idea. In reality, I knew nothing more than the average person about coding, website development, cooking, or grocery shopping. I was so far away from my strengths in every area. An already risky investment was actually WAY riskier with me at the head of it. 

He taught me a valuable lesson with those two words. 

We generally assess risk as an objective term, but it’s not. Risk is subjective.

Think of sports betting as an example. Despite what the bookies set the odds at, if I bet on basketball, it’s less risky than me betting on baseball. I spent a decade studying and playing basketball. I know nothing about baseball. My existing strengths and weaknesses determine the riskiness of a bet. (Yes, of course it’s still risky and I don’t bet on sports)

The same is true with cheating on a test. If you’re very sneaky, inconspicuous and experienced at cheating, it’s less risky for you.

The problem is that we tend to look at opportunities in isolation without assessing our personal skills. 

“You have to figure out where you have an edge and stick to it” (58)

One of the simplest ways to improve your thinking is to know your strengths and weaknesses. Then you can determine how confident you should be in your opinions. Even better, you can generally steer away from situations that call on your weaknesses. 

Finding Your Circle of Competence

Now, you might be saying “well, Noah, I’m not very good at anything, what do I do? I don’t have a circle of competence”. That’s a very common thought. You might not be able to think of a single skill you have that you’re “the best” in but that’s normal. There’s 8 billion people and way less than 8 billion skills. 

But you’re definitely the best at a combination of skills. You’re probably not the best writer in the world, but compare yourself to other people who are great writers, interested in the history of maps, and funny (this is

M. E. Rothwell

). You don’t need to be the best at a major skill, but know what small arenas you are the best in. Find a combination of skills, talents and interests that make you unique. That’s the advantage of being yourself. That’s what it means when people say no one can compete with you at being you.

Think of Joe Rogan. He’s not the funniest. he’s not the best interviewer. He doesn’t know the most about UFC.But when you combine that skillset, he’s the best in the world and that’s what makes him so successful.

Finding a way to live more of your life in your circle of competence, is a great way to keep your risk down. But of course, some risk is important in life. 

Stay in your circle of competence… usually. But don’t forget to try new things too sometimes.

Brains Gains

What’s your combination of skills that make you, YOU?

Now go have a great day. Do something to put a big smile on someone else’s face.

Your Friend,

Noah “BigNerd” Sochaczevski

PS. The BigNerds Instagram has officially launched and I’ll be posting additional content for the book club, general ideas, and health and wellness content there. Give it a follow here if that sounds fun to you