Overcoming the Odds

Welcome back to Growth Meditations!

This week I’m in Las Vegas with friends, so I thought it was only fitting to talk about the odds.

Well, not gambling odds.

I’m talking about how we can achieve the unthinkable… how we can exceed our own expectations (or the expectations others have)… how we can build a skill we thought we weren’t good at… how we can scale our business and have more impact than expected… how we can become a version of ourselves that we didn’t think was possible.

Do I have your attention?

Let’s dive in!

At a Glance:

• How Wayne Gretzky overcame the odds

• An “introjection check-in”

• How to study your role models

• Using an experiment plan to move forward

• A quote to ponder

Look Back:

A Lesson on Overcoming the Odds

One of my favorite new writers I follow is Billy Oppenheimer. I love his short posts that highlight compelling stories complemented by modern advice.

In this post he highlights how an undersized Wayne Gretzky overcame the odds as a hockey player. Here’s the essence of the method:

1. Identify role models who are great at what you’re trying to do despite being poorly built for it - e.g., people that found a way to excel even without the prototypical characteristics or advantages.

2. Study them incessantly. Read the list of role models over and over. In psychology, this is called introjection - the process of absorbing the qualities and behaviors of others.

Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman describes introjection as… “If you regularly listen to so-and-so’s podcast, the nervous system begins to ask questions like, what would so-and-so do? That’s a very real thing, and we’re not always consciously aware of it.”

To bring this to life, I highly recommend you read Billy’s short story about Wayne Gretzky:

Look Forward:

An Introjection Check-in

A quick check to make sure you’re not being pulled in the wrong direction: 💥 

• Who might you be unconsciously influenced by? (This could be a friend, coworker, or media personality you watch a lot.)

• Do you find yourself adopting their opinions, values, or behaviors? It’s great to be open minded and consider new viewpoints, but are you consciously changing you mind or unconsciously absorbing it?

• Is this person a positive influence on you? Are their values aligned with who you want to become?

• How might you create a more balanced information diet? It’s easy to consume too much garbage on social media. It’s also easy to fall into an echo chamber.

• What do you need more (or less) of now? Remember, we are what we consume!

A thought exercise to plot your next step: 🤔 

• What are you trying to learn, improve at, or accomplish? There may be multiple things. Pick one!

• Who do you view as a role model in that domain? This could be someone you look up to or admire, or someone who is a couple steps ahead of you on the journey that you can learn from. List out 10-20 people that come to mind. Then pick the top 2-4 names that you believe best fit your style and aspirations.

• Who else is ‘good at it’ despite being ‘poorly built’ for it? Now think outside the box. Some of your role models you listed may be naturally gifted, but add one more name to the list who is good at what they do DESPITE being poorly built for it (e.g., they found a way to excel even without the prototypical characteristics or advantages).

• Now you have 3-5 teachers. The next step is to flood your brain with as many thoughts about them and their work.

Focus:

Study Your Role Models and Take Action

Here are a few ideas I’m experimenting with… I’d love to hear your thoughts too.

1. Names. Set an alarm during the day. When it goes off, say their name out loud 10 times, then write their names 10 times. This will keep your role models (and what they would do) top of mind.

2. Results. Study their work products. In my example, I’m trying to become a better writer and content creator. So for each role model I identify, I will select 5-10 of their most successful essays or social posts to study the structure of the writing and content. What hooks do they use? What value do they deliver? What tone do they use? What emotions do they elicit? How long are the posts? Do they incorporate images or video to bring it to life? Study their work like your life depends on it.

3. Process. Study their process and how they do what they do. If you know them or can get access to them, ask the person directly. If they’re a public figure, look for podcasts where they’ve previously been interviewed. Seek to understand their thought process and actions they took to get where they’re at.

Finally, you’ll need to convert these learnings into action. Take notes and look for themes. Pick which characteristics you want to model. Create an experiment plan of steps you can take to practice modeling those characteristics.

Zoom Out:

Evaluate Progress and Course Correct

It won’t happen over night, but with time and focus, we can intentionally use introjection in a positive way to not only stay on course, but actively shape the person we want to become or the business we want to build.

Use your experiment plan to not only guide your actions, but also to evaluate progress. What worked well? What didn’t? Why? What do you want to continue? What do you want to stop doing and adapt?

There is no shame in pivoting. The path to progress is windy and you won’t always be on the paved road. Just keep moving forward, stay intentional and self aware, and enjoy the journey!

Be Centered:

A quote to ponder

What do you need more of now? Better intentions, effort, or execution?

Thanks for reading!

Until next week, keep growing »

Scott​

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