"The Architects of Familiar Surprises: Creating a Future with Sequoia"

"The Architects of Familiar Surprises: Creating a Future with Sequoia"

Subscribe to Sequoia's newsletter. This simple call to action embodies the mindset of individuals who are constantly seeking growth and innovation. When entering a meeting, it's important to envision the type of future that the company can create. What kind of impact can Sequoia have on the world? What kind of future do we want to live in?

To answer these questions, it's crucial to understand the factors that enable opportunities in the market or ecosystem. What has changed that uniquely allows this opportunity to exist today? Timing is key, as many successful technology giants have capitalized on technology advancements or shifts in consumer behavior. They have managed to marry the novelty of new ideas with the comfort of familiarity, creating moments of meaning.

In the pursuit of success, it's important to acknowledge the role of luck and hard work. Tu Youyou's story exemplifies the power of perseverance and diligence. As a member of Project 523, she volunteered to be the first human subject to test a new medication for malaria. This bold move led to the development of artemisinin treatment, saving millions of lives. Tu Youyou's achievements are even more remarkable considering she had no postgraduate degree, research experience abroad, or membership in national academies.

Luck plays a significant role in absolute success, where extreme circumstances often come into play. However, when success is viewed in a relative sense, hard work becomes the differentiating factor. Comparing oneself to others who have experienced similar levels of luck reveals that habits and choices play a crucial role. As Nassim Taleb stated, "Mild success can be explainable by skills and labor. Wild success is attributable to variance."

It's important to note that success is not solely determined by luck or hard work. It's a combination of both. You can control the trajectory of your success by focusing on your current habits and choices. This mindset is echoed in Atomic Habits, where it's emphasized that success is determined by the path you're on, not just your current results.

Richard Hamming, a mathematician and computer engineer, highlights the importance of a prepared mind. Luck may play a role in the particular opportunity that presents itself, but it's the individual who actively seeks and pursues opportunities that is more likely to stumble upon a lucky break.

In conclusion, the future we create with Sequoia and any other endeavor is shaped by a combination of luck and hard work. By marrying new ideas with the comfort of familiarity, we can create moments of meaning. It's crucial to adopt a growth mindset, constantly seek opportunities, and work diligently to increase the chances of success. Remember, "The harder I practice, the luckier I get."