The depression of someone chasing wealth is often buffered by the hope that money will solve their problems. The true psychological danger comes *after* achieving financial success, when you realize your non-money problems persist. This can lead to a profound and debilitating sense of hopelessness.
To avoid becoming a caricature of your most extreme views, periodically release content that is unapologetically you, even if it splits your audience. This purges "fair-weather fans" and reinforces your true identity, preventing you from being shaped by your audience's expectations.
Money acts as a "non-specific amplifier," much like alcohol or power. It doesn't fundamentally change your character but magnifies your existing traits—both good and bad. Insecurities become more pronounced, generosity becomes super-generosity, and a "micro asshole" becomes a "mega asshole."
To achieve massive reach, start with a hyper-specific target audience. By writing "The 4-Hour Workweek" for just two friends and marketing it to a narrow demographic in one city, Tim Ferriss created a concentrated ripple effect that naturally expanded to millions. A broad approach dilutes your message.
In intimate relationships, arguing over objective facts is a recipe for disaster. According to therapist Terry Real, "objective reality has no place in intimate relationships." Trying to prove your point with logic ignores your partner's emotional experience and only escalates conflict. Focus on feelings, not facts.
Frame your initial angel investments as a sunk cost, like business school tuition. Instead of optimizing for immediate financial returns, focus on building relationships, acquiring skills, and developing a strong reputation. This long-term mindset reduces pressure and leads to better, unforeseen opportunities down the line.
A project that fails financially can still yield your most valuable opportunities. Tim Ferriss's advisory work for StumbleUpon was a "zero," but the strong relationship he built with its founder led directly to his role as an early advisor at Uber. Optimize for relationships, as they transcend any single project's outcome.
Protect your self-worth by pursuing at least two or three serious interests at the same time. Progress in one domain, like a physical skill, can serve as a psychological safety net when you face setbacks in your primary professional endeavor. This prevents your entire identity from being tied to one volatile variable.
Platforms optimize for their own goals, not yours. Don't mistake their vanity metrics (views, likes) for key business drivers. A clip with 100 million views can have an imperceptible impact on core goals like long-form downloads or newsletter sign-ups. Constantly ask "why" a metric matters to avoid platform capture.