Don’t miss out on 1 insight each week.
Join the weekly business newsletter.
Nothing Annoying or Unexpected.
Learn skills in less time
When you're learning something new—like starting a new job or picking up a new skill—focus is everything.
Yes, there's a time for developing other skills. But at the beginning, the most important thing is to get good what you're doing. That only happens through consistent, focused effort.
For example: I’d rather take an unpaid opportunity in my industry than a paid part-time job in something unrelated (unless I really need the money). Why? Because one helps me build skills, experience, and relationships that compound. The other distracts me.
I’d rather spend time shadowing someone in my industry than driving for Uber. One moves me forward. The other just moves me around (sorry).
Mastery comes from focus. Diversification can wait.
Next week we’ll dive into some examples.
The Most Underrated Skill in Business
A few weeks ago I wrote about being a source of certainty.
How?
By being consistent.
Think about it:
Would you rather work with someone who inconsistently puts out good work or someone who is reliable, even if sometimes mediocre?
Be the one who always delivers.
You’ll be trusted and respected.
Oh, and studies show that consistent action can produce better results.
So you can have your cake and eat it too.
Outsource Your Brain
Want to protect your mental bandwidth?
Outsource reminders.
Write them down - in a place you won’t need a reminder to check. I just open a new browser tab and type it in.
Also works for habits. I used to plan to start things… then forget… then remember three months later. Classic.
Now I make it a habit to set reminders. Somehow, not circular logic.
Example: I keep pushup handles on my desk. When I get up, I put them on my chair. Can’t sit down until I’ve done pushups.
Simple. Works every time.
The (Free) Skill That Can Fast-Track Your Career
There’s a skill that can help you move ahead in your career—and it won’t cost you penny.
Be a source of certainty.
People hate uncertainty. It takes up space in their brain. It stresses them out.
Of course, don’t be unreliable.
But go a step further: be so reliable that noone has to wonder if you’ll do the job on time.
How?
3 Ways:
Communicate early—and then remind. People forget. Life is busy. Don’t assume they remember your timeline.
Be consistent. Reputations are built on patterns, not one-offs.
Keep people updated. Never leave your boss, client, or colleague wondering what you’re up to. If they have to ask, you’re already behind.
In a world full of uncertainty, being a reliable constant is a competitive edge.
Idea from: https://ofdollarsanddata.com/become-an-uncertainty-killer/ Great blog btw.
Uncomfortable, Part 2
Discomfort is a skill.
Also: wildly underrated.
2 exercises:
Take a colder shower than you want.
Growth lives in that moment you hesitate… then turn the knob anyway.
Ask for a discount on coffee.
Easy in theory, not so much in real life.
For more, see this article.
uncomfortabl
The quality of your life is based on the number of difficult conversations you’re willing to have. - Tim Ferriss
Not eager to have; willing to have.
Being okay with discomfort is one of life’s key skills.
In the next post we’ll explore how to develop it.
Trial & Error
We think we shouldn’t start a project until we feel ready.
It’s normal.
However, the best way to learn is often through trial and error.
The most basic example is life itself.
We aren’t educated or prepared before birth.
We learn along the way.
Go Giving
Middah Kineged Middah (measure for measure.)
It’s how Hashem treats us.
If you want to receive, then give.
It’s also logical: People would rather do business with a giver than with a taker.
Besides being the right thing to do, it will benefit you too.
Idea from the book, The Go Giver, by Bob Burg, a short and inspiring read.
How I save Big on Bath and Body Products
Ebay.
Often cheaper.
Bulk.
Can make low offer (even if doesn’t list option, you can message seller).
Items without returns are often cheaper. I only do if I’ve used product before. If there’s a real issue, you’ll get refunded.
Find items, even name-brand, not sold on Amazon or U.S. sellers.
2
Reuven to Shimon: “Business must be doing well! I see you got a Lexus.”
Shimon: “If I could afford a Lexus, I’d be driving a Bugatti.”
There are only 2 reasons someone has something you can’t afford:
a. He can; therefore it has no relevance to you.
b. He can’t; therefore it has no relevance to either of you.
Intentions vs. Incentives
In the Soviet Union, furs piled up in warehouses, rotting, while people went hungry.
Illogical?
No.
The government required furriers, under penalty of the law, to meet their quotas.
So they did.
But they wouldn’t be punished for low food production.
Lesson I learned:
We act logically, based on our environment’s incentives.
These can include actual rewards and punishments, as well as mere convenience or the power of habit.
Intentions are nice, but incentives create results.
Like a Tire
If your tire’s deflated, you add air and look for a leak.
Same with money.
If you don’t have enough, manage your spending, saving, and investing.
That often solves it.
Making more without managing it is like adding air without plugging a leak.
Credit Card Aplication
In order to be approved for a credit card, you need to have income.
Even if you aren't currently employed, the company may count expenses being paid on your behalf.
After age 21, the bank may allow parents' and in-laws' incomes to be counted - even money you do not receive from them - if you do receive some support.
Before applying, find out what that company counts as income.
For a full discussion click here.
Scams
We've all heard horror stories of people who were scammed out of thousands of dollars.
The scariest part? It can happen to anyone.
Learning common tactics that scammers use can help you spot a scam.
Fear and intimidation (such as threats)
Stress (such as using deadlines)
Unrealistic Offers
Unprofessional Payment Method (Bitcoin/Gift Card/Zelle)
If you were scammed, go to the FTC Website to learn what steps to take.
Empathy Gap
An alcoholic listened with horror as his friend described some of the behavior he had seen from drunkards. "I wouldn't do that if I were drunk," he asserted. His friend gave him a sharp look. "If you were drunk, you'd be drunk! You can't predict what you would do when you aren't in that state." - Chafetz Chaim
Financial applications:
Assuming you won’t panic sell a stock.
Underestimating the power of peer pressure.
Not being wary of scams.
Shopping when hungry.
Plan ahead when you’re calm so you’re better prepared.
For more, see this article:https://www.asherfurst.com/money-guides/common-cognitive-biases-part-2
Life Insurance in 30 Seconds
If you have dependents, you probably need life insurance.
Term vs. Whole Life:
Most people only need Term which is often 1/8 of the price.
How much coverage?
A good rule of thumb is 25x the income you need.
Cost:
Start young and it is often around $50 a month.
Agent or DIY?
I recommend using an agent - you get expert guidance and it doesn’t cost more. The company pays him a commission.
Make sure you trust him since the more expensive the policy, the more he makes.
For a full discussion, https://www.asherfurst.com/money-guides/life-insurance-basics
The Best Retirement Account
The best account for retirement is an HSA.
Unlike other accounts, contributions are tax deductible, and growth and withdrawals aren’t taxed.
The catch?
You need a high deductible health plan.
Withdrawals need to be used for medical expenses, but see
https://www.asherfurst.com/money-guides/how-to-maximize-your-health-savings-account for a full discussion.