Why You Should Be As Disloyal As Possible
I stole this tip from Derek Sivers.*I've heard Sivers say "be as disloyal as possible" and to "only be loyal when disloyalty is not possible."What he's saying is that the world doesn't always have your back. Your company is going to make the best business decision it can, regardless of how many years you've worked for them.It's one of these interesting beliefs that is the opposite of how we operate in our personal lives.Many people are taught to be loyal to family, friends, and partners--and I don't know anyone who's been taught the opposite.In order to succeed in our careers, being disloyal, opportunistic, and focused on our career's impact on the greater good is the optimal route.I'm not saying you should break up with your projects or your job. I'm also not saying that you should betray, deceive, or lie.I believe in being honest, trustworthy, and transparent.I'm saying scandals, corruption, and decision-making that's not aligned with your mission should be on your radar. It's up to you to stay awake enough to detect it around you when it happens.By being disloyal at default, you're positioning yourself to reality-check the decisions of others around you without blindly following.Trust is important to build over time--but loyalty should be avoided as much as possible.
2 Minute Action
When was the last time you felt loyal to something?Chances are it already happened today.
- Maybe to your country?
- Maybe to your company?
- How about to a fraternity or a sorority?
Take 1 minute and list a few things to which you're loyal.Next, take 1 more minute and list a few things those people/organizations would have to do to lose your loyalty.If you have 5 or more things for each, that's great.If you have one or two for each, you're in danger. (*Derek Sivers is a favorite author and entrepreneur of mine. He started CDBaby.com which was the first place to buy music online. He sold his company for somewhere around 21 million dollars and then gave it all away to charity.)
Is Being Obsessed A Good Thing?
It’s hard to make people productive or focused without appealing to their intrinsic motivation.Why would you treat yourself any differently?Follow your obsession.Doubling down on the work that you love can yield some powerful output over time.
2 Minute Action
What are you obsessed with?What’s something you can’t stop thinking about?What’s something you can’t stop doing?If the answer is “nothing,” then a deeper dive is required.If you’d rather not, that’s fine, but you’re not allowed to complain at the end of your career that you didn’t do any of the things you wanted to do.
What To Focus On When You're Stuck
You know the feeling.It's hard to come up with ideas. You're waiting for something to happen. You stick to something you've done in the past even though it's not working now.I don't need to dive into it.One good way to get unstuck is to consider the work you're afraid of.Making the phone call? Putting the money down? Putting yourself out there?What's something you're avoiding?You guessed it.Start with that.Focus on where the fear is.It's your compass.Addressing small fears and avoidances is a powerful way to start trusting your own ability to handle challenges.Face these small fears every day and you'll start training the muscle required to tackle the big stuff.Don't try to bench press 500 lbs. on your first day.
2 Minute Action
Most of the time, it takes 2 minutes or less to take action.Here are three examples:
- Look up the phone number of someone you're trying to reach and just freaking call them.
- Stop by the office yourself instead of sending another email.
- Provide your honest opinion (without hedging or backing down before you finish stating it).