MINDSETMonths to result

Persistence Through Improvement

Improve, don't push

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Entrepreneurs and business owners

Not ideal for

Those who are not willing to adapt and improve

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework emphasizes the importance of persistently improving and inventing, rather than persistently doing what's not working. It encourages entrepreneurs to present new ideas and improvements to the world and to be open to feedback and change.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Success comes from persistently improving and inventing, not from persistently doing what's not working.
  2. Present new ideas and improvements to the world and be open to feedback and change.
  3. Don't waste years fighting uphill battles against locked doors.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Present New Ideas
    Present new ideas and improvements to the world and be open to feedback and change.
    Pro tipBe open to feedback and willing to make changes
    WarningDon't be afraid to pivot if something's not working
  2. Improve and Invent
    Persistently improve and invent, rather than persistently doing what's not working.
    Pro tipFocus on solving real problems for real people
    WarningDon't get stuck in a rut and be willing to try new things
  3. Be Open to Change
    Be open to change and willing to adapt to new circumstances.
    Pro tipStay flexible and be willing to pivot when necessary
    WarningDon't be afraid to say no to things that are not working

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
CD Baby

The author's experience with CD Baby, where he initially thought the business would be a credit card processing service, but later changed his plan to focus on helping musicians sell their music directly to customers.

OutcomeCD Baby became a successful business and helped many musicians sell their music directly to customers.
Apple

Apple's experience with the iPhone, where they initially thought it would be a phone with a built-in iPod, but later changed their plan to focus on creating a multi-touch smartphone.

OutcomeThe iPhone became a highly successful product and revolutionized the smartphone industry.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not Being Open to Feedback
Not being open to feedback and willing to make changes can lead to stagnation and failure.
Not Being Willing to Pivot
Not being willing to pivot and try new things can lead to getting stuck in a rut and missing out on new opportunities.
Wasting Time on Unproductive Activities
Wasting time on unproductive activities can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The author learned this lesson through his experience with CD Baby, where he initially thought the business would be a credit card processing service, but later changed his plan to focus on helping musicians sell their music directly to customers.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur
Derek Sivers · 2011
Open source →

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