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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

Going Pro vs Dropping Out Reframe

Reframing education departure from 'dropping out' (negative) to 'going pro' (positive) when someone has exceptional skills ready for professional application.

Decision Rule

If someone demonstrates professional-level competence and has concrete opportunities that exceed educational value, frame transition as advancement rather than abandonment.

How It Works

Changes perception from failure/risk to opportunity/advancement, making decision more palatable to stakeholders and reducing psychological barriers.

Failure Modes

Using reframe to justify premature departure without genuine professional-level skills

Ignoring legitimate benefits of continued education for networking and broad knowledge

Applying frame when market conditions don't support alternative path

Example Decision

19-year-old with demonstrated coding skills and job offer at growing startup frames leaving college as 'going pro like LeBron James' rather than 'dropping out.'