The Kaihogyo, or the Marathon Monks, are Tendai Buddhist monks who embark on a quest of extreme self-denial in order to achieve enlightenment. This quest is a test of their commitment and conviction, as they must either complete it or take their own lives. While this may seem extreme, there is a valuable lesson to be learned from their mindset - the importance of committing to something and eliminating distractions.

The Kaihogyo, or the Marathon Monks, are Tendai Buddhist monks who embark on a quest of extreme self-denial in order to achieve enlightenment. This quest is a test of their commitment and conviction, as they must either complete it or take their own lives. While this may seem extreme, there is a valuable lesson to be learned from their mindset - the importance of committing to something and eliminating distractions.

In our own lives, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the multitude of goals, projects, and work that we have. We get easily distracted by new opportunities and lose focus on what truly matters. The lesson from the Tendai monks is clear - either something is important enough to complete, or it's time to let it go. We should fill our lives with goals that are worth finishing and eliminate the rest.

One common mistake many people make is giving up on a dream or goal simply because it will take a long time to accomplish. The Tendai monks teach us that it doesn't matter how long a goal will take, what matters is getting started. Time will pass anyway, so why not use that time to work towards something important to us? We have the privilege of failing with very little consequence, so we should not waste that privilege. Instead, we should embrace commitment and conviction, just like the Tendai monks.

Now, let's shift our focus to a different topic - the rise of vertical social networks. In today's digital landscape, there is a growing fatigue around swiping and liking static content. Users are craving more curated and meaningful connections and digital experiences based on their online and offline interests. This is where vertical social networks come into play.

Vertical social networks are platforms that cater to specific niches or interests. They allow users to share content that they can't post elsewhere, creating a more unique and tailored experience. Even if a platform isn't the first or only place to post a certain type of content, it can still win by providing the best tools and enhancing users' status within their existing network. This is evident in platforms like LinkedIn, Clubhouse, and Quora, where users are drawn to the opportunity to build a following and establish themselves professionally or personally.

Furthermore, these vertical social networks serve as a "System of Record" for users. They hold all the important data related to their profiles and interactions within the community. This encourages frequent engagement on the platform and makes it harder for users to churn. By offering a comprehensive and centralized platform, vertical social networks create a sense of belonging and community that keeps users coming back.

The emergence of new devices and advancements in technology also play a significant role in the rise of vertical social networks. New devices expand the amount of time and ways in which we can be "present" on social products, creating new opportunities for engagement. Additionally, new devices often enable new types of content, which can be the launching point for a new social network. For example, AR filters were a major factor in Snap's success, as they opened up new opportunities for creativity and self-expression.

Lastly, there is a great opportunity to "unbundle" platforms like YouTube by building products with killer features for specific categories. While YouTube serves all types of content, there is room for specialized platforms that cater to specific interests. By offering unique features and a tailored experience, these vertical social networks can attract users who are looking for more targeted content.

In conclusion, whether it's committing to a goal or embracing a vertical social network, the key is to focus on what truly matters and eliminate distractions. The Tendai monks teach us the importance of commitment and conviction, while the rise of vertical social networks offers new opportunities for curated and meaningful connections. So, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Evaluate your goals and projects - determine what truly matters to you and eliminate the rest. Commit to the goals that are worth finishing and let go of the ones that are distracting you from what's important.

2. Embrace the long-term journey - don't give up on a dream or goal simply because it will take a long time to accomplish. Time will pass anyway, so use that time to work towards something meaningful to you.

3. Explore vertical social networks - consider joining niche platforms that cater to your specific interests. These platforms offer a more tailored and curated experience, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and share content that can't be found elsewhere.

By following these three pieces of advice, you can cultivate a mindset of commitment, eliminate distractions, and make meaningful connections in your personal and professional life. Just remember, if you commit to nothing, you'll be distracted by everything.