The Power of Obvious and Counterintuitive Advice in Achieving Success

The Power of Obvious and Counterintuitive Advice in Achieving Success

In our pursuit of success, we often seek out advice from those who have already achieved what we desire. We hope that they will share some secret or hidden knowledge that will unlock the doors to our dreams. However, what if the key to success lies not in elusive secrets, but in the power of obvious advice?

Scott H Young, a well-known productivity blogger, argues that good advice is often "obvious." It may not present groundbreaking ideas or concepts, but rather it reaffirms what we already know deep down. This may seem counterintuitive, as we assume that valuable advice should offer unique insights. However, Young suggests that the value lies not in the novelty of the advice, but in the fact that it challenges our intuitions.

Our intuitions can be clouded by biases and misconceptions, leading us astray in our pursuit of success. We may overlook simple and straightforward solutions because they don't align with our preconceived notions. Therefore, hearing obvious advice can serve as a powerful reminder to refocus on the basics.

James Clear, the bestselling author of "Atomic Habits," exemplifies the power of obvious advice in his own success. When asked about his strategies for promoting his book, Clear revealed that he had been a guest on over 200 podcasts during the first six months of its launch. This approach may seem obvious to some, as guesting on podcasts is a well-known strategy for book promotion. However, Clear's commitment to this strategy, including appearing on around 80 podcasts in the first week alone, demonstrates the power of consistent and focused action.

Clear's example highlights an important lesson – knowing what to do is often not enough. Many people are aware of effective strategies and tactics, but only a few actually put them into practice. The key to success lies not in discovering secrets, but in taking action on the obvious advice that aligns with our goals.

Another aspect to consider when seeking success is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on user retention. The Reforge team emphasizes the importance of building and deepening user habits over time to achieve great retention. Habit building is a science that involves understanding the motivations, cognitive and physical friction, and rewards that influence user behavior.

However, focusing solely on revenue retention as a measure of success is misguided. It is merely an output of usage and a lagging indicator. To improve retention, one must focus on the core inputs: Activation, Engagement, or Resurrection. Attempting to retain every user will lead to sub-optimal results, especially in the face of changing behaviors.

Instead, the key lies in identifying and retaining the marginal audience – those who are on the fringes but have the potential for growth and loyalty. It is crucial to evaluate whether these users are experiencing real value or merely temporary value driven by current events. By understanding the underlying behavior that drives their engagement, we can determine if they will truly retain and contribute to the broader value proposition.

As we strive for success, it is essential to remember that the power of advice lies not in its novelty, but in its ability to challenge our intuitions and refocus our efforts on the basics. With this in mind, here are three actionable pieces of advice to help you achieve success:

1. Embrace the obvious: Don't overlook simple and straightforward solutions in your pursuit of success. Sometimes, the most effective strategies are the ones that have been around for ages. Reframe your mindset to appreciate the power of obvious advice.

2. Take consistent action: Knowing what to do is not enough; you must take consistent and focused action. Clear's success in promoting his book through podcast appearances exemplifies the importance of commitment and dedication to a proven strategy. Identify the actions that align with your goals and execute them consistently.

3. Focus on the marginal audience: Rather than trying to retain every user, prioritize the marginal audience – those who have the potential for growth and loyalty. Evaluate whether they are experiencing real value beyond current events. By understanding their underlying behavior, you can tailor your approach to ensure long-term retention.

In conclusion, the power of obvious and counterintuitive advice lies in its ability to challenge our intuitions and refocus our efforts on the basics. Whether it is Scott H Young highlighting the value of obvious advice or the Reforge team emphasizing the importance of focusing on the marginal audience, success often lies in taking action on what we already know. Embrace the obvious, take consistent action, and prioritize the right audience to achieve the success you desire.