Who Not How: Achieve Bigger Goals Through Teamwork

Ever found yourself drowning in a sea of trivial tasks and feeling like you’re not making any real progress towards your goals? Well, you’re not alone. Today, we’re diving into the concept of “Who” from the book “Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. So, get ready to discover the key ideas that can supercharge your journey to achieving your wildest dreams.

Key Idea No. 1: The ‘Who Not How’ Principle

Are you constantly stuck wondering how to achieve your goals? Maybe it’s time to change your approach and ask, “Who can help me achieve my goals?” This simple shift in perspective can make your path to success much smoother and more efficient.

The author tells a story about Richie Norton, who, as a teenager, had a burning desire for financial independence. Instead of going for a regular part-time job, Richie turned to his dad for advice. What his dad suggested was quite unique. He told Richie to go to the watermelon farms and buy the irregularly shaped watermelons that the farms couldn’t sell. It might sound strange, but this turned out to be a brilliant idea that allowed Richie to make money quickly and effortlessly.

In just a few hours, Richie sold all 100 watermelons. He made more money in that short time than he would have made throughout an entire summer at a minimum-wage job.

Richie’s story teaches us a valuable lesson: when you want to make money, don’t just ask, “How can I make money?” Instead, ask “Who can help me make money?” Richie’s dad became his “Who” and offered a more effective solution. By seeking help from someone with the right knowledge, resources, and solutions, you can save time and achieve results faster.

So, here’s the actionable part: start identifying the “Whos” in your life. Think about the people who can help you achieve your goals and make your journey more efficient. Don’t limit this to just your professional life; consider how “Whos” can support your health, family, hobbies, and more.

The power of having a “Who” is evident. It provides access to insights, resources, and capabilities not otherwise available. “How” is linear and time-consuming, while “Who” is non-linear, instant, and exponential. So, don’t hesitate to seek out your “Whos” and watch how they can transform your path to success.

Key Idea No. 2: Procrastination is a Good Thing

Most of us spend our lives postponing the things that truly matter, and it’s a growing problem. Research shows that a whopping 85-95% of college students are chronic procrastinators, struggling to get important work done. This issue is fueled by our addiction to technology and the Internet, which hinders motivation.

But here’s the twist – procrastination, despite its negative reputation, can actually be a form of wisdom. It’s your mind’s way of saying, “You need some help with this.” It typically strikes when you have big dreams but lack the knowledge or skills to achieve them.

Procrastination can be a major roadblock. It diminishes our well-being, fills us with shame and guilt, exacerbates mental health issues like depression, and even causes us to make poor decisions regarding our health. It’s a problem that runs deep and holds us back from reaching our full potential.

The reality is, if you’re ambitious, you’re more likely to face procrastination. But it’s important to understand that procrastination doesn’t lead to results. It leads to frustration and inaction. When it hits, you have two choices. The common one is to ask, “How do I do this?” Unfortunately, this often just leads to more procrastination. The better option is to ask, “Who can help me with this?” This shift injects energy, confidence, and creativity into your journey.

So, to beat procrastination with the “Who Not How” approach, follow these two essential steps:

• Be Clear About Your Goals: Your brain is constantly bombarded with information. To make your goals stand out, be crystal clear about them. Define your vision and share it with the world. Your vision will attract the right people who can help you achieve it. Use a tool like the Impact Filter, which helps clarify the project’s purpose, importance, ideal outcome, and success criteria.
• Ask, “Who Can Help Me Accomplish This Goal?”: Once your goal is clear, don’t waste time trying to figure out how to achieve it. Instead, find the right people to help you. It might take some courage to share your vision, but remember, you need to believe in it first. If you believe in your vision and its importance, be brave and find the right individuals to support you. Many capable people are eager to assist. Identify the person who can help you achieve your goal, ensure your visions align, and let them take care of the “hows.” Avoid micromanaging and focus only on the end result.

Remember, having a capability is not an obligation to use it. By seeking help from the right people, you’ll not only achieve your goals but also grow as a person and become a “Who” for others. Procrastination can be a roadblock, or it can be a signpost guiding you toward success. It’s up to you to decide how you’ll interpret and act upon it.

Key Idea No. 3: Cost vs. Investment Mindset

In the realm of business and personal finance, the way we think plays a pivotal role in shaping our decisions and, ultimately, our financial outcomes. There is a powerful shift that can make a world of difference, moving from a “cost” mindset to an “investment” mindset.

A “cost” mindset revolves around pinching pennies and viewing everything through the lens of immediate expenses. Individuals with this mindset tend to perceive spending as a necessary evil, always on the lookout to cut corners. It’s not entirely wrong to be mindful of costs, but adhering too rigidly to this mindset can hinder your growth and success.

The author shares a story of a successful businessman who was faced with a whopping $7,900 bill to fix his broken air conditioner. In an attempt to save a few bucks, he thought, “I can rig up a fan myself.” It seemed like a good idea at the time, but it ended in disaster. He suffered a nasty fall from the roof, cracked his skull, and spent 11 days in the hospital, two of which were in a coma.

During his recovery, he had an epiphany: “If I have enough money to solve a problem, then I don’t have a problem.” This realization hit him like a ton of bricks – all this time he had been focusing on ‘how’ instead of ‘who.’

Shifting from a “cost” mindset to an “investment” mindset is about changing your perspective and priorities. Instead of always hunting for the lowest price, start assessing the value of what you’re putting your money into. Ask yourself how this investment will help you reach your goals and achieve long-term success.

Here’s the takeaway: Identify areas where you can delegate tasks or bring in experts. Consider what you’re giving up by doing everything yourself versus the value you can derive from investing in the right ‘whos’ who can deliver better results.

When you need expert help, don’t hesitate to seek it out and be willing to pay for it. Consider it an investment – what you gain should outweigh the cost. Sometimes, it’s best to let the experts handle the ‘how’ so you can focus on the truly important aspects.

Key Idea No. 4: Success through Giving & Connecting

Your success is closely tied to the quality of the people you have in your life. When you achieve more freedom in terms of time and money, it opens doors to connect with individuals who can help you achieve your goals and give your life deeper meaning and purpose. Here are some actionable tips to build meaningful and lasting connections:

• Be Genuine in Your Connections: When it comes to building relationships, it’s crucial to genuinely connect with people. If a relationship doesn’t feel right or inspiring, it might not be the best use of your time and energy. This applies to both personal and professional connections. Ask yourself how you feel when you’re around them. Do they genuinely inspire you, and do you feel drawn to them? If not, consider whether it’s worth investing in that connection.
• Focus on What You Can Give: Instead of approaching relationships with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, shift your perspective to “What’s in it for them?” This change in mindset can transform the way you approach networking. By concentrating on providing value to others, you can build more meaningful and long-lasting connections. Here’s a practical tip: before engaging with someone, take the time to understand their needs, values, and goals. Think about how you can genuinely contribute to their success or well-being. Approach the relationship with the intention of providing real and relevant value.
• Nurture Your Relationships: Building a strong relationship doesn’t end once you’ve made the initial connection. Just like a plant needs ongoing care to thrive, relationships require continuous nurturing. This means staying helpful and caring even as you achieve success. Once you’ve formed a connection, don’t let it fade away. Keep in touch regularly, offer support, and find ways to be of service to the other person. By keeping the relationship alive, you’ll create a network of strong, enduring connections.

Key Idea No. 5: Learn to Say No

In the world of entrepreneurship, there’s a common belief that “more is better.” Many think that taking on more tasks, clients, and amassing a long list of credentials will automatically lead to greater success. But here’s the thing, not every opportunity that comes your way is worth pursuing. It’s easy to fall into the trap of spreading yourself too thin. So, let’s take a step back and reevaluate our priorities.

Instead of chasing after every opportunity, it’s essential to be specific in every aspect of your life. It’s about being selective in your relationships and pursuing only those that align with your personal vision. This approach will help you boost your confidence and give your life a sense of purpose, allowing you to work towards goals that are more meaningful than what you can currently achieve.

So, here are some practical tips to help you navigate this journey:

• Prioritize Your Well-Being: Quality often beats quantity. It’s crucial to avoid overextending yourself. Prioritize your well-being, and make sure you maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life.
• Define Your Ideal Lifestyle: Take some time to figure out what your ideal lifestyle looks like. Identify your core principles and what truly matters to you in life. This will serve as the foundation for a satisfying and well-balanced life.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries in both your personal and professional life. Decide what you’re willing to tolerate and what you’re not. This will help you prevent burnout and maintain control over your life.
• Be Selective in Relationships: Be discerning about the people you choose to surround yourself with. Ensure that your relationships align with your values and vision. It’s crucial that these connections are mutually beneficial.
• Prioritize Your Values: Always stay true to your values, even when faced with tempting opportunities. Prioritize what you believe in over short-term gains. This approach will lead to long-term fulfillment and success.
• Always Be the Buyer: Empower yourself in relationships by being the one who can reject offers that don’t align with your vision. Don’t feel pressured to say “yes” to everything; select relationships that genuinely enhance your life.

Remember, success isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what truly matters. By being selective and focusing on your well-being and values, you can pave the way for a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

In conclusion, shifting your mindset from “How” to “Who” can be the key to unlocking a more successful and fulfilling future. Embracing collaboration and seeking the right people to help you achieve your goals can make a world of difference.

I hope you’ve found these insights valuable, and if you’re interested in delving deeper into the transformative concepts of “Who Not How,” I encourage you to grab your own copy of the book on Amazon by clicking here. It’s a journey worth taking, and this book will be your guide. See you later, and happy reading!