Michael! Every conversation with you feels like YOU "help others from your most natural, authentic self". That's why we keep talking. I keep coming back for those bright and shiny lightposts you put out there with your full heart. Appreciate you so much.
So good. And so fun to see 2 years of conversations we’ve had merged into one arrow, that hits the bulls eye 🎯 Motivating and inspiring piece. Eager for part 2!! :)
Thanks! It's almost comical to reflect back to the beginning scenes of you and me throwing everything we had to try and figure all this out. Appreciate having you on the journey.
"It was about finding that place in your heart and mind where you wanted to live for the next 10-20 years." What an beautiful, poignant, articulate way of describing the concept of finding your personal monopoly. Excellent read!
Thanks! I'm glad you highlight this. I think for some people 10-20 years might feel overwhelming or unrealistic. And up until 6 months ago I would have agreed. But I think it's like landing an airplane. You want to direct your eyes to the far end of the runway vs. near side. If you land somewhere were it feels like you could stay for 10-20 years, you'll still come out ahead if you only stay for 5-10 years in that place.
Nov 5, 2023·edited Nov 6, 2023Liked by Michael Sklar
You're absolutely right! Your comments about airplanes and runways made me think of I concept I recently heard: airplane vs. helicopter decisions. Airplane-type decision involve a lot of resources, a long runway, and high cost if you get them wrong. So you should spend significant time on them (e.g. changing your whole business model as a business; moving your whole family to a new place). Helicopter decisions are easy to overturn, just like a helicopter can take off with short to no runway, stop whenever and land anywhere, so we shouldn't spend too long on them. For example new merchandise items, a marketing promotion, or moving to a new place if you're a nomad spending 2-3 months somewhere at a time. I found it useful in avoiding decision fatigue.
Love it! Obviously I am fan of aviation metaphors. And your helicopter intro made me think of a favorite. When you hear an overly complex solution being proposed: "Do we really need a helicopter to go to the grocery store?"
It feels great to be back! It's been a long journey of private conversations and unpublished writing. I'll never forget when we first met. I couldn't stop thinking how in a room of 1,000 stereotypical actuaries you would stick out. It's been fun to watch your journey.
Michael: This is so helpful. Personal monopolies is the concept I still struggle with the most in Write of Passage. I tend to be better at seeing the best in others, but I have a mighty hard time seeing the unique qualities which serve as the foundation for my personal monopoly. But reading this reinvigorated my desire to identify my personal monopoly and you gave me a couple of tactical ideas as to how I may be able to do so.
Really appreciate the feedback! It felt too long, but I concluded it was for me and people who have spent too many hours staring at the conundrum. You raise a point I covered in a recent guest session for Write of Passage: you can't find it on your own. You can't see yourself doing what's most natural. And when you do, you'll undervalue it. And once you see the value, you'll question whether you can apply it elsewhere. And so on.
Love the idea of other WOP peers telling you what they think your monopoly might be. This could even be done anonymously (via a form) for anyone nervous about sharing anything. You’re absolutely right Michael! We can’t do it alone
100%. Watch the guest session I ran a few weeks ago. I talk a lot about how peers can help. And it can be total strangers who may give you some of the best insights. There's something psychologically powerful when someone you don't know confirms something you or friends have been saying. Re anon feedback, I've seen a few people add this to their Twitter profile. https://www.admonymous.co/.
Just saw that you crossed 150,000 YouTube followers.
Bad news: the red button only works up to 150,000. You now need the blue button. Good news: I think I can get my hands on a new 3rd generation one. I know a guy who knows a guy. Gimme a few days.
I meant to comment on this several weeks ago, Michael. And here I am, rereading it for the fifth time. It's such a great read with so many practical take-aways.
Sian, thanks for the kind words. There's a freeing aspect of knowing roughly where you are on the journey. It makes things feel a little lighter, easier.
Michael! Every conversation with you feels like YOU "help others from your most natural, authentic self". That's why we keep talking. I keep coming back for those bright and shiny lightposts you put out there with your full heart. Appreciate you so much.
And I appreciate you. You've directly and indirectly done the same for me.
So good. And so fun to see 2 years of conversations we’ve had merged into one arrow, that hits the bulls eye 🎯 Motivating and inspiring piece. Eager for part 2!! :)
Thanks! It's almost comical to reflect back to the beginning scenes of you and me throwing everything we had to try and figure all this out. Appreciate having you on the journey.
"It was about finding that place in your heart and mind where you wanted to live for the next 10-20 years." What an beautiful, poignant, articulate way of describing the concept of finding your personal monopoly. Excellent read!
Thanks! I'm glad you highlight this. I think for some people 10-20 years might feel overwhelming or unrealistic. And up until 6 months ago I would have agreed. But I think it's like landing an airplane. You want to direct your eyes to the far end of the runway vs. near side. If you land somewhere were it feels like you could stay for 10-20 years, you'll still come out ahead if you only stay for 5-10 years in that place.
You're absolutely right! Your comments about airplanes and runways made me think of I concept I recently heard: airplane vs. helicopter decisions. Airplane-type decision involve a lot of resources, a long runway, and high cost if you get them wrong. So you should spend significant time on them (e.g. changing your whole business model as a business; moving your whole family to a new place). Helicopter decisions are easy to overturn, just like a helicopter can take off with short to no runway, stop whenever and land anywhere, so we shouldn't spend too long on them. For example new merchandise items, a marketing promotion, or moving to a new place if you're a nomad spending 2-3 months somewhere at a time. I found it useful in avoiding decision fatigue.
Love it! Obviously I am fan of aviation metaphors. And your helicopter intro made me think of a favorite. When you hear an overly complex solution being proposed: "Do we really need a helicopter to go to the grocery store?"
Ha! Good one! Some people even call a jet to go to the grocery store, and would take a rocket, too if available.
It's great to have you back, Michael. The Accidental Actuary has missed these musings.
It feels great to be back! It's been a long journey of private conversations and unpublished writing. I'll never forget when we first met. I couldn't stop thinking how in a room of 1,000 stereotypical actuaries you would stick out. It's been fun to watch your journey.
This was fantastic, Michael!
Thanks! Long time in the making.
Absolutely loved this piece, thank you Michael. It also reminded me to go and watch the replay of your Personal Monopoly session on WOP🏃🏻♀️
Anna, thanks for the kind words!
Michael: This is so helpful. Personal monopolies is the concept I still struggle with the most in Write of Passage. I tend to be better at seeing the best in others, but I have a mighty hard time seeing the unique qualities which serve as the foundation for my personal monopoly. But reading this reinvigorated my desire to identify my personal monopoly and you gave me a couple of tactical ideas as to how I may be able to do so.
Thank you for writing this!
Really appreciate the feedback! It felt too long, but I concluded it was for me and people who have spent too many hours staring at the conundrum. You raise a point I covered in a recent guest session for Write of Passage: you can't find it on your own. You can't see yourself doing what's most natural. And when you do, you'll undervalue it. And once you see the value, you'll question whether you can apply it elsewhere. And so on.
Love the idea of other WOP peers telling you what they think your monopoly might be. This could even be done anonymously (via a form) for anyone nervous about sharing anything. You’re absolutely right Michael! We can’t do it alone
100%. Watch the guest session I ran a few weeks ago. I talk a lot about how peers can help. And it can be total strangers who may give you some of the best insights. There's something psychologically powerful when someone you don't know confirms something you or friends have been saying. Re anon feedback, I've seen a few people add this to their Twitter profile. https://www.admonymous.co/.
Example: https://twitter.com/catehall
Fuck it and press that red button - I need this on my wall :) It's so good to see these thoughts in this format Michael. Can't wait to see Part 2!
Just saw that you crossed 150,000 YouTube followers.
Bad news: the red button only works up to 150,000. You now need the blue button. Good news: I think I can get my hands on a new 3rd generation one. I know a guy who knows a guy. Gimme a few days.
I meant to comment on this several weeks ago, Michael. And here I am, rereading it for the fifth time. It's such a great read with so many practical take-aways.
Thank you. I'm looking forward to Part 2.
Thanks Michael, I really enjoyed this, and it was a nice way to reflect on where I'm at, and where I'm going, it's really motivating.
Sian, thanks for the kind words. There's a freeing aspect of knowing roughly where you are on the journey. It makes things feel a little lighter, easier.