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My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

Back to Mental Models

Identity-Based Action Model

When someone gives you a positive identity label, you unconsciously act in ways that confirm that identity, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of success

Decision Rule

When uncertain about what action to take, default to the action that confirms your positive identity label

How It Works

Identity shapes behavior - people act consistently with how they see themselves, so positive labels create positive action patterns

Failure Modes

Accepting negative or limiting identity labels

Not living up to positive labels through action

Becoming dependent on external validation of identity

Example Decision

When facing a business challenge, someone labeled as having 'highest bias for action' will choose to take immediate concrete steps rather than overthinking or planning excessively