#218: Sahil Bloom – Become A Magnet For Success

• We spend so much time being performative whether we realize it or not
• You start growing when you start accepting your funny, nerdy, weird, quirky self.
• The friends that he has now are the people with whom he feels he can be honest around, talk about random things he is struggling with.
• The more you find those kinds of people, the more you grow.

• These are the type of friends who stick with you during the hard times.
• They are not around just for the celebration.
• You never forget those people, they were they for you during the hardest times.
• When you find them, cherish those relationships, they are truly rare.
• Your real friends are the ones who are there for you when you have *nothing* to offer in return.

• Too many people feel the need to fix things.
• The most powerful thing to say to a friend who is hurting is “I’m with you”.
• Don’t just say it, show it. It’s the ultimate form of kindness

Best one-liners for different life scenarios:

• The ability to accept compliments is underrated.
• Just say “thank you”.
• “I appreciate YOU”.

• Sahil Bloom met Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, at the gym; they were both a part of the 5 AM crew.
• Tim Cook has the most insane work ethic; wakes up at 3:45 every morning
• They started chatting about an article Tim Cook was cited in.
• Sometime later, Sahil correctly guessed his e-mail address and sent him the article as a follow up to their gym chat.
• Sahil never asked them for anything; he never wanted a job at Apple or to pitch a startup idea.
• He just wanted to be around them and learn, absorb.

• Find a way to bring value; don’t just send a DM asking for an internship.
• Geographical proximity does not matter anymore.
• The opportunity playing field is levelling. The Internet and access to technology are opening up the world.
• Anyone can break into these rooms if done thoughtfully.

• Consistently making content in a niche you’re passionate about is the modern-day equivalent of going to the gym at 5:00 AM.
• Writing, recording, putting ideas on the Internet… You can reach anyone in the world.
• The only limit is your consistency, intensity, and focus.
• You get better over time but you have to get into it.
• Sorry to disappoint, but there are no shortcuts.

• The Zone of Genius is like a “sweet spot” where your interests, passions, and skills align
• You are playing a game that you love to play and are uniquely suited to win at.
• The Zone Of Excellence is when you have high competence but you lack energy and passion for the things you do
• People stop asking questions when they experience comfort (a steady paycheck, a pat on the back for doing a great job, etc.)
• This kind of comfort and productivity is not bad in itself. If that makes you happy, it’s amazing.

• Think about how much of your daily activities are energy draining vs energy creating?
• Build a base of information from which you can evaluate your competencies and passions.