The "Now, Not How" Mindset For Accomplishing Goals
I was taking a walk today on a nearby trail—partly because I wanted fresh air but mostly because I needed a hard reboot on my brain. There’s something about being in nature without your phone that forces you to confront your own thoughts when you can’t distract yourself with doomscrolling.
Anyway, I had an epiphany today: Most people aren’t stuck because they’re untalented. They’re stuck because they’re addicted to "How."
We spend weeks researching the "ultimate" gym split, or the "foolproof" business model. Ali Abdaal calls this Productive Procrastination. It’s that sneaky trap where you feel like a CEO because you spent $100 on a fancy planner and a Masterclass. When in reality, you’re just finding organized ways to avoid getting any work done.
The Five-Second Moment of Humility
I was reminded of a concept by Matthew Dicks: Every good story has a moment that changes everything. Mine happened at the gym last week.
I walked up to the bench press with a sense of swagger, like a protagonist in a training montage. I put 30 lbs on each end and felt like a boss—until I looked to my left and saw a guy bench-pressing 200 lbs like he was just moving a couch for a friend.
But then I realized: Nobody is actually watching. The person next to me wasn't judging my 30 lb plates; he was too busy wondering what protein bar to eat after the workout (just like me). We stay paralyzed because we think the world is a giant audience waiting for us to fail. In reality, everyone is just the main character in their own story. They are too busy worrying about their own "30 lb" moment to worry about yours. It’s actually kind of freeing!
Strategy 1: The "Now, Not How" Rule
Following Noah Kagan’s advice, I’ve started using the "Now, Not How" rule. Last year, when I wanted to start a protein ice cream business, I didn't write a 20 page business plan. I made a batch and asked my friends: "Would you pay $6 for this?" I learned more in that hour than I ever could have in a month of "market research."
The pivot is the point: You don't need a GPS when all you need to do is put the car in drive.
Action reveals the path: The "How" reveals itself once the "Now" is in motion.
The result: The "Now" will always win over the textbook.
Strategy 2: Use Your "Nothing to Lose" Card
If you are a young adult or a teenager, you are in luck. You have Low Downside and Ridiculous Upside.
The Downside: You look a little silly on camera or lose some pocket money. Ten years from now, that’s just a funny dinner story.
The Upside: You build a skill, a network, or a asset that gives you a massive jumpstart on life.
As Matthew Dicks instructs, the greatest stories begin with a willingness to be a "bad" beginner. Take the messy risks now while your biggest risk is just a bruised ego.
Strategy 3: The Law of 100
The Law of 100 is the ultimate antidote to perfectionism. The rule is simple: You’re not allowed to judge yourself until you’ve done it 100 times.
100 Pay-Per-Click Ads.
100 blog posts.
100 gym sessions.
If you reach 100 and it doesn’t work, you’ve completed a legitimate experiment. But if you quit on video #7 because it didn’t go viral, you’re just quitting the movie after the opening credits. Keep the cameras rolling.
My "Ugly" Start
I love business (from sales to accounting) and public speaking, so 2 years ago I committed to the Law of 100 “Challenge” and began to consistently improve my communication skills. And yes, just like a baby who is learning how to walk, I’ve definitely fallen on my face various times, its unrealistic to not expect mistakes. Before I knew it, I began collecting trophies effortlessly, after practicing every single day with my advisor during my lunch period and after school hours. It was a lot of effort, but that should be expected, there is no “shortcut” for hard work. Although don’t fret, you’ll pick up the pace quickly and be exponentially better than you were in ~1 month if there is consistent action.
It feels fantastic to actually begin.
What is the "30-lb weight" task you’re nervous to start? Write it down and do the first rep today. It’s much more fun to take action than to plan!
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