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@zachpogrob

@zachpogrob

Obsession beats discipline - go all-in on your craft until you either die or get reborn.

Back to Mental Models

The Bar Is Incredibly Low

Competition is largely illusory because the vast majority of people never actually execute on their stated intentions. Showing up consistently puts you ahead of 95% of the field.

Decision Rule

When intimidated by competition, ask: 'Are these people genuinely all-in, or are they attending weddings, taking vacations, and going home at 5pm?' If the latter, ignore them as competitors.

How It Works

People overestimate competition because they see announced intentions, not actual output. Social media amplifies declarations of intent while hiding the absence of follow-through. The serious players are a tiny fraction.

Failure Modes

Using this as excuse for low personal standards

Underestimating the few people who ARE genuinely obsessed

Confusing 'bar is low' with 'success is easy'

Example Decision

Founder hesitates to enter market with established players. Applies model: large companies have thousands of employees with work-life balance. Enter market and outwork everyone through intensity.