The Level Up Letter - Vol. 29 - INDEPENDENCE

Independent thinking and financial independence

Author

Better Board Meeting
July 05, 2024

THE LEVEL UP LETTER

Hi All!
Here is your weekly Level Up Letter. Coming off of Independence Day we thought it would be fitting to discuss a couple Independence topics. Specifically Independent Thinking and Financial Independence. We hope you enjoy!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

INDEPENDENT THINKING⁣

One of the best descriptions we’ve ever heard about independent thinking went something like this….

“Most everyone is heads or tails. I stand on the edge of the quarter and can look down both sides.” 

In a day and age where everything has become siloed or divided along party lines, having the skills to think critically and independently is a superpower. So how do you cultivate that skill? It’s just like a muscle. You have to exercise it.

Here are a handful of ways to help cultivate your independent thinking:

  1. Study The Greats: History has left us a trail of incredible independent thinkers. Grab a biography or check out Founder’s Podcast.

  2. Diversify Your Circle: Hang out with people of all ages and backgrounds. Join groups that are outside of your normal wheelhouse.

  3. Travel: Go someplace you feel like a complete foreigner. This could be international where you don’t speak the language or even in the states. If you’re a city person go visit the country and vice versa. You want to immerse yourself in a different way of life.

  4. Question Yourself: Make time to question your own beliefs. Can you rigorously defend your own beliefs? Do they stand up to the scientific method? Would you believe the same things if you were born on the other side of the world? What if the opposite was true?

  5. Start Your Own Business: Nothing will challenge your thinking more, than interacting with employees, business partners, investors and most of all, customers.

FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

There’s a financial freedom saying that references the three levels of Jets.

  • Level 1: I can fly business class on a commercial Jet

  • Level 2: I can fly on a private Jet

  • Level 3: I can buy the NY Jets

We believe there’s a level before any of those that might have the greatest impact. We call it the “I’m gonna jet.” Level.

At this level you have enough cash in reserve that you can fire your clients or quit your job knowing you’ll be just fine. (for at least a couple years) There’s a huge mindset shift that comes with this level. You see opportunity in more places, you put more value on your time and you can ruthlessly cut out the negative.

If you want to feel Independent, your main focus should be getting to this level as fast as humanly possible.

LET’S GET YOU THERE

Helping people and companies hit their goals is what we do. Let’s hop on a call to figure out your path to getting there. Click the button below to get started!