Don't outsmart yourself.

With one iteration too many.

Hello again, Squad.

The Really Rich Journal

Failure makes me work even harder.

Michael Jordan

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The Weekly Tone

Happy 2024, squad!

Perhaps it’s time to talk about when things go really, really right, as I’m sure they will for you at some point this New Year.

Perhaps they’re going so right, in fact, you’ll look for ways to outsmart your own success—rather than following the proven course that’s taken time and sweat to uncover.

After all, you have a bit of free time on your hands now.

Oh, the pitfalls of success.

Just when you think you've hit the sweet spot, you start to get that itch. That little voice in your head starts whispering, "Maybe you can do more. Maybe you can do better."

And, just like that, you find yourself in the Michael Jordan conundrum.

You're at the top of your game, the undisputed king of the court, and suddenly, you're swinging a baseball bat and striking out. What the heck?

I mean, we've all been there? Maybe not in the realm of professional sports, but in our own ways.

You've found a business model that works, your revenues are soaring, and you've got a loyal customer base. But then, that little voice starts whispering again. "Maybe you can expand into a new market. Maybe you can introduce a new product line."

In other words, maybe we do less of what’s already working and try something risky and unproven.

This is what I did—by focusing too much on stiff, educational content and forgetting about the comedy (that also educates!) that brought me recognition in the first place.

And before you know it, you're knee-deep in a venture that is draining your resources, alienating your customers, and causing you sleepless nights.

You've out-iterated yourself! You've pushed past your sweet spot and into the danger zone.

But here's the thing - it's not about being complacent or settling for less. It's about recognizing your strengths and playing to them. It's about understanding that success doesn't always mean doing more or doing different. Sometimes, success means doing what you do best and doing it damn well.

Maybe out-iterating is there to show you how right you were in the first place! Like a heat map of where you’re a true legend and where you’re, well, just okay.

So, the next time you feel that itch, take a moment to reflect. Are you pushing your limits because you genuinely believe there's room for growth, or are you simply bored and looking for a new challenge?

Remember, even Michael Jordan eventually came back to basketball. Because that's where his zone was. That's where he truly belonged.

Maybe it took the sting of his mediocrity in baseball to remind him how wonderful his home on the court was after he became so accustomed to fame and domination.

And you, my friend, belong right at the top of your game. So keep iterating, but don't out-iterate yourself out of your sweet spot—and if you do, considering heading back home someday soon.

Hopefully refreshed, with a new sense of drive and appreciation.

Instead, focus on enhancing what you're already good at. Trust me, there's nothing boring about being the best.

And as for that little voice? Well, maybe it's time to teach it a new mantra.

"Stay in the zone. Stay in the game."

đź’° R/RR

Rich: I can’t stand being wrong.

Really Rich: Getting things wrong is how I know when I’m right.

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