There is an episode of Seinfeld when George realized every choice he has ever made in life has been wrong, so he resolved that from that point on he will do the opposite of what he thought was the right thing to do. Aside from simply making a hilarious story, the "opposite" philosophy actually has a bit of truth in it.
How to be unhealthy
Charlie Munger, who has made his fortune alongside peers like Warren Buffet, has a mode of decision making he calls inverse thinking. The process is that if one is looking for a specific result then instead of seeking the right answer, one should decide how to achieve the opposite effect.
For example, if one wants to be healthy, lose weight and be in good shape, it's natural to find ways of achieving those ends but the answers may come easier by asking "how can I be unhealthy".
The answer is obvious. Overeat, eat foods high in refined sugar, high in carbohydrates, has empty calories, and are high in unhealthy fats. Also, don't get any exercise, drink lots of alcohol and no water.
Now that we know the answer to our question; just do the opposite.
Why am I still poor?
Dan Miller, my beloved, late, mentor brought the subject up, by asking "why are you still poor?" and also listed 27 ways to stay poor. "If you want to be poor and stay that way here's how...", he said, and then proceeded to list them. Below are some notables he mentioned, some of which I am guilty:
- start tomorrow
- don't read books
- If you do read a book, don't take any of its suggestions
- blame my circumstances on others or on conditions beyond my control
- value the opinions of others more than my own
- tolerate mediocrity
- avoid working on what matters most
- do what everyone else is doing
- believe what others think about me more than what I think about myself
- believe I'm always right
There are many more he listed but, in my experience, these are some that stand out. Now, I must do the opposite.
Leave a comment, tell me what you think!
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