People are drawn to genius like moths to a flame.
We write books about geniuses. Make films about them. Genius captures the imagination of popular culture like almost nothing else.
But there’s a problem. The allure of genius can be a trap.
You should look more to Batman than Tony Stark.
Tony Stark used his tech to build powers that could rival any superhero. For a moment, he could go toe to toe with Thanos. Batman never had the strength of Superman or the speed of Flash. And instead of specifically amping up to go toe to toe with them, he spent his time planning careful countermeasures to defeat each of the Justice League members if they ever went rogue.
Usually, the plan of a genius involves having genius. That’s why most of the people who try to follow them get washed up.
People keep saying they’re building the next Berkshire Hathaway when they’d be better off investing in the S&P500.
Steve Jobs was Steve Jobs. When you try to run his playbook and you’re not Steve Jobs, you get Elizabeth Holmes.
The average person should plan to be genius-proof.
That doesn’t mean never taking a risk, and avoiding anything you could fail at. In fact, I’m saying the opposite.
Plan as though the world is against you, the cavalry isn’t coming, and you can’t save the day at the dying seconds with a flash of brilliance.
Be hyper-resilient. Be genius-proof.
What can you do to make your success inevitable?
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