My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“it's the relationship stupid”
What It Means
Social environment and relationships are the primary driver of personal qualities and life satisfaction, not individual willpower or circumstances
Why It Matters
Shifts focus from trying to change yourself to changing your social environment as the most effective intervention
When It's True
When you want to develop specific qualities or change behavioral patterns
When It's Risky
May not work when you lack access to people with desired qualities or have obligations to current relationships
How to Apply
Prioritize spending time with people who naturally have qualities you want
Choose activities and environments where desired people congregate
Minimize time with people who exhibit opposite of desired qualities
Example Scenario
“Instead of trying to become happier through individual practices, someone systematically spends more time with naturally upbeat people and less time with chronic complainers”