The Importance of Obvious Advice and the Power of Timing

The Importance of Obvious Advice and the Power of Timing

In a world inundated with information and advice, it's easy to dismiss the obvious. We often seek out counterintuitive advice, believing that it holds some hidden secret or magical solution. However, what if I told you that good advice is often right in front of us, staring us in the face?

Scott H Young, a prominent thinker and writer, argues that good advice is "obvious." But what does he mean by that? Well, he suggests that the value of advice lies not in its novelty, but in its ability to challenge our intuitions. When advice goes against what we believe to be true, it can be a powerful tool for growth and self-improvement.

But why is it useful to hear advice that seems obvious? Our intuitions are often fuzzy and unreliable. We make assumptions and judgments based on incomplete information or biased perspectives. This is where obvious advice comes in. It serves as a reality check, reminding us of the basics and guiding us towards a more accurate understanding of the world.

Take, for example, the success story of James Clear, the author of the bestselling book "Atomic Habits." When asked about his strategy for promoting his book, Clear revealed that he had been a guest on over 200 podcasts in the first six months of its launch. This approach may seem obvious to some, as podcast appearances are a common marketing tactic. However, the key here is not the novelty of the advice but the execution. While many people know that podcast appearances can help promote a book, only a few actually take action and make it happen.

This brings us to an important point: knowledge is not about discovering secrets but about discerning the right path from the many plausible accounts of how things work. The basics, the fundamentals, and the tried-and-true methods often hold the key to success. Instead of constantly searching for new and revolutionary strategies, we should focus on understanding the nodes and relationships that underpin our goals.

In the realm of entrepreneurship and startups, timing plays a crucial role. Sequoia Capital, one of the most renowned venture capital firms, emphasizes the importance of asking the question, "Why now?" When evaluating a potential investment, they consider what has changed in the market or ecosystem to uniquely enable the opportunity at hand. This question forces us to assess the timing and seize the moment.

Looking at the success stories of major technology giants, we see that they always capitalized on key enablers. Whether it was a technological advancement or a shift in consumer behavior, these companies understood the power of timing. They recognized that most consumers are both curious to discover new things and afraid of anything that is too new. The best innovators and entrepreneurs are adept at creating moments of meaning by marrying the familiar with the new.

In essence, they become architects of familiar surprises. Instead of overwhelming people with radical ideas or concepts, they find ways to introduce novelty within the boundaries of familiarity. This approach alleviates anxiety and fosters understanding, making it easier for people to embrace change.

So, what can we learn from all of this? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the obvious: Don't dismiss advice simply because it seems obvious. Sometimes, the most powerful insights come from revisiting the basics and challenging our intuitions.

2. Execute on what you know: Knowledge is useless without action. Instead of constantly seeking new information, focus on applying what you already know. Take the advice that seems obvious and put it into practice.

3. Master the art of timing: Timing is everything in business and life. Pay attention to the changes happening around you and seize the right opportunities. Understand the dynamics between familiarity and novelty, and use them to create meaningful moments.

In conclusion, good advice may be "obvious," but its value lies in its ability to challenge our intuitions and guide us towards a more accurate understanding of the world. The basics and fundamentals often hold the key to success, and timing plays a crucial role in seizing opportunities. Embrace the obvious, execute on what you know, and master the art of timing. By doing so, you can pave the way for your own success and create a better future.