Differentiate Upstream for Results

Shaan Puri believes that if you want different results in life, you need to differentiate the inputs that are upstream of those results. Your info diet, the people you spend time with, and how you use your free time are the key levers that determine your downstream outcomes.

Key Points:

• Your Results Are Averaged from Your Network:

  • Just like economic studies show your income will be roughly the average of the five people you hang out with most
  • The same applies to ideas and thoughts - you "dollar cost average" into the thoughts of your network
  • If you consume the same content as everyone else, you'll probably have the same thoughts as everyone else

• Networks Are Choices You Make:

  • Being on Twitter, TikTok, or any platform is opting into a network
  • Within these networks are subnetworks and subclusters
  • Not being on certain platforms means you're opting out of those networks

• Differentiation Requires Intentional Selection:

  • If you want to make changes or have differentiation of some kind, you should probably differentiate your info diet
  • You should differentiate the people you hang out with
  • You should differentiate what you do with your free time

• Being Intentional Is Hard But Necessary:

  • It plays into your life in more ways than you might think
  • You have to be very intentional about it, otherwise you'll get overwhelmed and not make that decision
  • Example: If you stop watching TikTok and everyone is talking about TikToks, you have to be okay with that

• Different Activities Create Different Networks and Results:

  • If you love something, do it - but if you're open-minded, consider alternatives
  • Example: Jiu jitsu vs. the elliptical - same hour of exercise, but jiu jitsu gets you:
    • A different workout
    • Skill development
    • Community membership
    • Mental toughness and resilience
    • Understanding of leverage
  • Picking up a different hobby opts you into a different network

• No Bonus Points for Hard Mode:

  • You can win anywhere - on your own, in any industry, at any time
  • But why not make things easier on yourself?
  • Why not increase your probability of success rather than decrease it?
  • There's no bonus points for doing everything the hard way or making your odds worse