Last week I shared one of the books that's already had a tremendous impact on my thinking this year, The ONE Thing by Gary Keller. This week I'd like to recommend another book that naturally builds on that idea: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.
The premise is simple, yet incredibly powerful. Instead of asking ourselves, "How do I accomplish this?" the authors challenge us to ask a different question:
"Who can help me accomplish this?"
The more I reflected on that question, the more I realized how often I try to figure everything out on my own. Whether it's growing a business, becoming a better leader, improving a relationship, writing a book, or pursuing a dream, my instinct is usually to ask, "How do I do this?"
The problem is that question assumes I have to have all the answers.
Looking back over my own career, most of my biggest breakthroughs didn't happen because I figured something out alone. They happened because someone shared their experience, opened a door, challenged my thinking, or believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
When I decided to become a professional speaker, I didn't know how to build a speaking business. I hired coaches, joined the National Speakers Association, attended conferences, and asked countless questions. Looking back, those relationships accelerated my journey far more than trying to learn everything through trial and error.
One of my favorite quotes says, "Success leaves clues." Someone has already accomplished many of the things we hope to achieve. Instead of reinventing the wheel, why not learn from someone who's already traveled the road?
Ask a different question
This week, I'd encourage you to think about one goal you're pursuing and ask yourself a different question:
- Who is already doing what I want to do?
- Who could mentor or coach me?
- Who could introduce me to the right people?
- Who has already made the mistakes I'm about to make?
Then take one simple action.
Send the email.
Make the phone call.
Schedule the coffee meeting.
As I've often said...
Action Changes Things.
Your next breakthrough may not come from finding a better strategy. It may come from having the right conversation with the right person.
Have a great week!
— Kevin
