You Don’t Need A Mentor. Focus On THIS Instead

What is the role of a believer in your career?

A believer is someone who has an irrational belief in your potential, often seeing talents and abilities in you that you might not see in yourself. Unlike traditional mentorship, which focuses on providing guidance, knowledge, and advice, a believer's value lies in their unwavering faith in your success.

This belief can have a profound emotional and psychological impact. Confidence is often contagious, and hearing someone else express such strong faith in your capabilities can boost your own self-confidence. It encourages you to push past initial hesitations and take significant steps forward.

Believers motivate you by reinforcing the idea that you are capable of achieving great things, even when evidence or your own self-belief is lacking. Their support often comes at crucial moments, providing the emotional fuel needed to overcome doubts and obstacles. This often leads to a snowball effect, where initial encouragement builds into a powerful force for long-term success.

How did Scott Belsky and Tim Ferriss impact Sam Parr's journey?

Scott Belsky and Tim Ferriss played pivotal roles as believers in Sam Parr's career.

Scott Belsky:

• Initially declined an investment but later reached out after being impressed with Sam's daily newsletter.
• Sent an encouraging email saying, "These emails are just so good. I have to join."
• Described Sam as a "steward" of his money and the brand, which profoundly impacted Sam's self-belief.
• His irrational belief in Sam boosted his confidence and motivation immensely.

Tim Ferriss:

• Met Sam while walking dogs and later invited him to discuss email newsletters over dinner.
• Expressed admiration for Sam's innovative approach, saying, "What you guys are doing is so smart, so innovative."
• Just having dinner with Ferriss made Sam feel validated and special.
• Ferriss's encouragement fueled Sam's energy and reinforced his self-worth.

Main Takeaways:

• Genuine belief from accomplished individuals can radically change one's self-perception.
• Words of encouragement at pivotal moments provide crucial motivation.
• Recognition from respected figures adds significant value to one’s personal and professional journey.

Can a single conversation change your career trajectory?

A single conversation with a believer can indeed change your career in profound ways. Shaan Puri’s experiences with Lisa Keister and John Prendergast illustrate this beautifully.

Lisa Keister, a professor at Duke, unexpectedly influenced Shaan during a personal finance class called "Getting Rich." He recounts,

"She told us, 'If you just do the most interesting thing, the most exciting thing and ambitious thing for you in your life at the moment, shit works out.'"

This simple yet powerful statement encouraged Shaan to take daring steps in his career.

Similarly, John Prendergast offered Shaan and his team invaluable advice. When Shaan presented his business plan, John asked,

"Is this shit going to work or not?"

This blunt question led Shaan to reconsider and pivot his approach. John also validated their actions by blogging about their "high bias for action," giving Shaan a new label to strive for.

"These guys have the highest bias for action of anyone I've met."

Both conversations left lasting impressions, fueling Shaan's confidence and guiding his career path for years.

What are some real-life examples of believers making a difference?

1. Scott Belsky's Belief in Sam Parr:

   • Initially declined investing in Sam's company, The Hustle.
   • Sent a highly encouraging email weeks later, praising the quality of Sam's daily newsletters.
   • Described Sam as a "steward" of capital and brand, boosting his confidence and motivation immensely.

2. Tim Ferriss's Encouragement for Sam Parr:

   • Met Sam while walking dogs and later invited him to dinner to discuss newsletters.
   • Praised Sam's innovative approach, saying, "What you guys are doing is so smart, so innovative."
   • This recognition made Sam feel validated and special, fueling his energy and self-worth.

3. Lisa Keister's Impact on Shaan Puri:

   • Inspired Shaan during a personal finance class at Duke.
   • Encouraged him to follow the most exciting and ambitious path, fostering long-term career daring.
   • Her belief motivated Shaan to take critical steps in his career.

4. John Prendergast's Guidance for Shaan Puri:

   • Questioned the viability of Shaan’s business, prompting a necessary pivot.
   • Praised Shaan’s “high bias for action” in a blog post, giving him a powerful label to live up to.
   • This validation provided crucial motivation and direction.

5. Michael Birch’s Promotion of Shaan Puri:

   • Promoted Shaan to CEO of his company, expressing belief in his future success.
   • Took Shaan off-site for a pep talk, fueling his self-confidence.
   • Although Shaan faced failures, Birch's faith kept him motivated for years.

How can you become a believer for someone else?

Offering genuine encouragement and unwavering support can profoundly impact someone's career. Here’s how you can be a believer for someone else:

• Provide Genuine Encouragement:

  • Recognize their potential and verbalize your confidence in their abilities.
  • Use specific praise. For example, "Your innovative approach is truly impressive."

• Offer Constructive Feedback:

  • Help them identify areas for improvement without being overly critical.
  • Ensure your feedback is actionable and supportive, like "Consider refining this aspect to maximize impact."

• Show Consistent Support:

  • Be present during pivotal moments, whether it's celebrating achievements or navigating challenges.
  • Maintain regular check-ins to provide ongoing motivation and advice.

• Be Enthusiastic:

  • Your genuine excitement can be contagious, boosting their own enthusiasm and confidence.
  • Celebrate their wins, no matter how small, to reinforce their progress.

• Act as a Sounding Board:

  • Listen more than you speak. Sometimes, just being heard is incredibly validating.
  • Ask open-ended questions to help them explore their ideas and solutions.

By following these steps, you can significantly influence someone's career trajectory, providing the emotional and psychological fuel they need to succeed.