Week 3: The Power of Places

Dear Andre, (5 min read)

Two weeks ago, we started talking about dreams. Last week, we talked about volume negating luck (that once you've identified what you want, success comes down to consistent action).

Now that you're taking action, here's what I need you to understand: you need to find places where that action gets leveraged.

Put Yourself Where More Is Required

Here's what I mean: If you're already taking action toward your dream, and then you join a training, become part of a cohort, join an online mastermind, or get into an in-person business group (and that group is going to accelerate a specific skill set or mindset related to your dream), it's worth joining.

I talk about something called "island gigantism" in my book Just Start. It's where, because of their environment, a species evolves into a lesser version of itself over time. The same thing happens to us.

In the wrong environment (where nothing is required of you), you'll fall to the lowest common denominator. And if you're someone like you (driven, wanting to succeed and grow), being in an environment that doesn't pull that out of you is suffocating.

Instead, find places that will pull the best out of you. Places that will break your frame for what you think is possible.

My $24,000 Lesson

Here's a concrete example: I just joined a six-month coaching program with Alex Hormozi. Yeah, it's crazy to spend $24,000 on coaching. (My accountant definitely thinks I've lost it.) But it has made a tremendous difference in my output level (even just in the last month).

I've done a giveaway, created more offers, and posted way more reels. The level of output I now recognize I'm capable of creating has gone up exponentially.

Why? Because my possibility bar has been broken.

I now know that what feels like "a lot" to some people is not a lot in this circle I'm now part of. That's the incredible thing about leveling up your environment—when you raise the minimum standard, you're suddenly able to do so much more because you expect more of yourself.

The Push vs. Pull Problem

Now, I'll warn you, Andre—there's one downside to this level of thinking that I'm still working through.

There are things that push you (negative pain) and things that pull you (positive vision of your future). For me, the pain of paying for things has caused me to take massive action far more effectively than creating a compelling vision of the future. (although I have a vision board I’m staring at right now, and it is compelling)

but… I haven't mastered creating such a compelling future that it pulls me to act at the same level as when I'm pushed by pain. I'd love to become healthy enough internally where I'm pulled by vision and still take massive action. But so far, pain has been more effective for me.

(Basically, I'm financially motivated in the way a college student is motivated by finals week. Not proud of it, but it works.)

The Cost of Staying Comfortable

Here's the thing, Andre: If you don't put yourself in a place that demands more of you, there will always be this part of you wondering, "Could I have done more if I'd put myself in better environments?"

That means letting go of things that are comfortable. Things that feel normal. And finding people who don't just accept you as you are, but also want you to unlock the gifts you've been given.

It's going to be uncomfortable. If it feels weird at first, that's normal. But it's worth it. You're going to find more of who you are and what you're capable of.

I had someone I look up to say: “Wow, you’ve really changed. what you said at the beginning of the year you’ve really done.” Here’s why that’s true:

My Current Places

For me this year, it's been:

• The Arena Mastermind (digital) - focused on communication, leadership, and self-mastery

• Worked with a consultant on my book (both physical and digital coaching)

• Business coaching at the beginning of the year

• The Forward event on personal branding in July

• Two different Arena conferences in LA

• BNI business networking group (meeting with other business owners weekly)

• RZ Connect (a monthly networking group with business owners)

• Church (Attending and serving in kids ministry and playing drums)

• A business networking dinner on Friday nights

• Leading a Bible study group every Thursday night

• Monthly hikes for founders and creators in Sacramento (because apparently I'm that guy now)

• Alex Hormozi's 6-month coaching program and Skool community

• Visiting family and friends in LA Florida Hawaii Central asia and the Czech Republic (many creative ideas are generated in new places with these people)

Just in the first half of this month, because my activity level has gone up so much, it's made a huge difference in both my detailing business and my marketing agency. My standard for what high-level output looks like has been forever broken.

Last week I told you I did 11 reels in one day. Since then I posted many more, one reel has done 26,000 views and gained 75 followers. (brain explodes) If you'd told me that was possible a month ago, I would have thought it was impossible. (I also would have asked you what drug you were on.) That's the amazing part about being in the right place (things you thought were impossible somehow become quite normal).

Your Assignment This Week

You've identified your dream. You started taking consistent action last week. Now you need to ask yourself:

"I'm taking action in the right direction. Now I need to put myself around people and places that are going to push me even farther toward my dream."

Assess where you are right now:

• What are all the places you're currently in?

• Which places are bringing the most growth in your dream area?

• How can you be in those growth-producing places more frequently?

Next week, we'll talk about rich relationships (how the people in those places have a direct impact on whether your dreams become reality or slowly die).

P.S. Next just start cohort will start in october. DM START to me on Instagram for all the details.

P.P.S. If you’re interested in the next founders hike DM HIKE to me on instagram.