What would 10 year old and 80 year old you think?
Three Point Essay #34 | Doing Things for the Other Versions of Yourself
Here’s a three-pointer to open your mind.
I came across this mental model from Alex Hormozi. I recommend checking out his content.
A Story
When I was a kid, I knew I was going to become 1 of 3 things:
Quarterback for the New England Patriots
Catcher for the Boston Red Sox
Shooting Guard for the Boston Celtics
When I realized none of these were probably happening, I felt upset.
But not that upset, because I knew what I was truly meant to be—a writer.
(Independent) writers earn money by communicating ideas that interest them.
Writers aren’t stuck in 1 location; they travel the world.
Writers don’t have a boss, the earnings go straight to them.
What could be better than that?
Everyone has visions like this as a kid. But often, society manages to blind that vision.
Hmmmm…
Fuck society’s expectations.
What did you want to do, before anyone told you what you ‘should’ do?
Who did you want to become, before someone told you that you couldn’t?
How big did you think, before others laughed at you, or made you feel guilty for your ambition?
10 year old you didn’t listen to losers. 10 year old you didn’t consider boring or soul-crushing careers. 10 year old wouldn't spend time doing things he hates.
So why would you do so now? What happened to 10 year old you?
Projecting Yourself into the Future
There’s something even more powerful than seeing the world through a 10 year old you—seeing the world through an 80 year old you.
Imagine you as an old man, filled with regret.
Ideas not acted on, chances not taken, words not spoken.
Hell.
I know for a fact—whether I succeed long term or not—I would be disappointed if I never wrote online. If I never took advantage of the internet, to share valuable knowledge and ideas while expressing myself.
If in my old age, I realized:
I could’ve made money on my own ideas, but didn’t
I could’ve built a big personal brand, but didn’t
I could’ve helped people out with my content, but didn’t
I would feel depressed. But that’s just me.
80 year old you wants you right now to take chances. 80 year old you wants you pursue a career that’s exciting and authentic to you. 80 year old you wants you to minimize the amount of regrets you have.