(My apologies for sending this issue out 10 days passed the original date... it just completely slipped my mind after catching up on client work.)
Lately, I’ve been diving into The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. It’s a goldmine of wisdom, but one particular insight has been circling my thoughts:
"The way to get out of the competition trap is to be authentic, to find the thing you know how to do better than anybody. You know how to do it better because you love it, and no one can compete with you."
Let that sink in.
Society conditions us to compete. Hustle harder. Run faster. Grind more.
But Naval flips the script: why waste energy trying to outpace someone else when you can create a game where you’re the only player?
Here’s the formula:
- Do what you love. You’re naturally better at it because your passion gives you endurance.
- Be authentic. People connect with the real you, not the polished, comparison-driven version of yourself.
- Find alignment with society. What you love and what the world needs—this intersection is where the magic happens.
When you do this, you’re not just working. You’re creating. You’re playing a long-term game, building something uniquely yours.
Apply leverage (time, tools, systems), take ownership, and put your name on it. That’s how you escape the competition trap.
Think about the people who are exceptional at what they do. They don’t spend their time comparing or competing. They’re not trying to mimic anyone. Instead, they’ve found their unique way of doing things. And because they’re so dialed in, people naturally gravitate toward them.
This isn’t just about business or career—it’s about everything.
When you love what you do, it shows. You find joy in the process. You become obsessed with improving, not because you’re chasing validation but because your heart is in it. You’re not competing with others; you’re competing with yourself, leveling up every day.
And here’s the kicker: no one can replicate that.
Authenticity is the ultimate cheat code. It’s how you build work, relationships, and a life that feels like you.
So, the next time you catch yourself scrolling, comparing, or feeling like you’re not measuring up, pause. Ask yourself:
- What do I truly love doing?
- How can I do it in a way only I can?
- How can I map it to what the world needs?
Find your edge. Own your game. And watch as the world moves to your rhythm.
–JaQuan
A Wisdom Moment
Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
After an exhausting flag football game, I decided to fully rest. No podcasts. No work. Just guilt-free action movies in bed. Midway through the second movie, I paused—not from boredom, but because I realized how peaceful it felt to just be.
In that moment, I understood the power of the Sabbath—a day of rest God intended for our renewal.
The next day, I woke up recharged and had one of my most productive days all year.
The takeaway? Rest isn’t slacking; it’s a strategy. To go further, take a break.
(Just in case my wife reads this... I know, I know... you were right 😅)
Fave Links
- Demand Curve Growth Program: I love courses. Whenever I don't know something and the basics are not enough, I look for an online course. This online marketing course is EVERYTHING you need on all things marketing for businesses.
- iPad Air 2024: I traded in my huge 13" iPad Pro for a smaller iPad Air... and have zero regrets. The 11" iPad Air is perfect for reading ebooks AND for doing non-strenuous digital work... and it's a lot lighter. Unless you need the computing power (most people don't)... get the iPad Air.
- Peterson Academy: I said I love courses. Dr. Jordan B. Peterson launched Peterson Academy and I just had to check it out. 4 weeks in and I've already completed 3 courses on subjects I would have never studied otherwise. His Sermon on the Mount lectures are my favorite thus far.
