Not for everyone

There are very few category leaders like Google and Amazon. Some of the best business ideas focus on serving far fewer people MUCH better, instead of serving more people in a crowded market – or worse: “everyone”.

As Zig Ziglar put it, better to be a meaningful specific than a wandering generality.  There may only be 20,000 people in the world passionate about some bizarre niche, but a business that targets them is more likely to serve all 20,000.

This applies outside of a business context as well.  We can be truly genuine, and seek to serve humanity in our unique way.  Our authentic selves, however, will always end up being “not for everyone”.  And that’s okay. Embrace it.

Assessing what’s next

Sometimes we assess our future based on where we currently are in life.  After all, right now we are all the sum of all of our choices, energy, life experiences, and beliefs about what they all mean.

But assessing future opportunities based on our past is like driving while looking behind you.  Not so smart unless you’re moving backward, which isn’t the direction we want to go in life.

All of the influences and variables of the past have made us who we are today.  Where you are today is just where you are today.  Don’t forget that history does not equal destiny.

YOLO?

It’s popular to say “you only live once” (YOLO), especially when justifying questionable decisions.  That’s one perspective for sure.

Here’s another:  You only die once. You get to live every day until then. (YODO anyone?)