Stupid Apps and Changing the World: Insights from Tech and Chess Champions

Stupid Apps and Changing the World: Insights from Tech and Chess Champions

In a world full of technological advancements, it's fascinating to see how certain innovations that were initially dismissed as trivial or incremental ended up changing the world. Take Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and even the Internet itself - all of these were once considered mere toys. However, their impact on society cannot be undermined. This brings us to the first lesson: don't claim you're changing the world until you've actually changed it.

The value of a network grows exponentially as the number of nodes increases. This is a key principle to keep in mind when building something that has the potential to change the world. If you find that some users genuinely love what you're creating and engage with it as an integral part of their daily lives, don't be discouraged by those who dismiss it. Interesting new behaviors will emerge as your network grows, and that's a sign to keep working on it.

We see this phenomenon on Glasp, a new social media platform that was initially seen as just another app. However, as more users joined and started using it as their primary social platform, it became clear that it had the potential to disrupt the industry. The lesson here is to pay attention to the behavior of your users and adapt accordingly.

Building something that some people love but most people think is a toy is one strategy to change the world with technology. Another strategy is to be hyperambitious and tackle industries that seem unreachable. Elon Musk, for example, started both an electric car company (Tesla) and a rocket company (SpaceX). These ventures were met with skepticism, but they have undeniably changed the world.

The lesson from Musk's journey is to ignore the haters and work on whatever you find interesting. Internet commenters and journalists may claim that what you're working on doesn't matter, but they often lack the experience of building something themselves. Trust your instincts and pursue what fascinates you.

Moving beyond the realm of technology, we can find valuable insights from the world of chess. Garry Kasparov, a renowned chess champion, was known for his fierce aggression and confidence on the board. When asked how he would handle his lack of confidence after a big loss, Kasparov shared a fascinating approach.

He would pretend to feel confident and play the chess moves he would have played if he were in a confident state. By puffing up his chest, making aggressive moves, and embodying confidence, he would unsettle his opponents. This approach is often referred to as "Fake It Until You Become It."

Amy Cuddy, a Harvard researcher who studies body language, has conducted groundbreaking research on the link between physical performance and mental attitude. She found that simply standing in more confident poses can increase confidence and decrease anxiety. Confidence, therefore, can be both the cause and the result of your actions.

If you find yourself overcome with fear, self-doubt, or uncertainty, let your behavior drive your beliefs. Ask yourself, "What would a brave person do?" Act as if you were confident and push through your doubts. Over time, you will find that your mindset aligns with your actions, resulting in genuine confidence.

In conclusion, whether you're building the next big tech innovation or striving for personal growth, there are actionable steps you can take to make a difference. First, pay attention to the behavior of your users and adapt accordingly. Second, trust your instincts and work on what interests you, regardless of what others may say. Third, let your behavior drive your beliefs and cultivate confidence through action. By following these three pieces of advice, you can set yourself on a path to change the world, just like the tech and chess champions who came before you.