Jason Cohen talking about our fixation to become like #1.
When someone insists you need to be “more like Google,” consider that perhaps it’s the only thing they know to compare to.
When someone insists you need to be “more like 37signals,” consider that almost no successful companies are like 37signals.
When someone insists you need to be “more like Apple,” consider that they probably have no idea what really goes on inside Apple, or whether they’re anything like you. Also, do they mean “Apple, today” or “Apply when they were 3 years old, like you, and doing hardware with the mindset of the late 1970s”?
No. More interesting is when someone suggests that you remind them of this other little company you’ve never heard of, but when you visit their website and try their product you realize it’s resonating with you, that this feels like a finer, more mature version of yourself, that you’re getting reinvigorated about your own business not because of their top-line revenue or celebrity status but because they’re inspiring you to become a better version of what you already are.
It’s fine to muse about being #1, but let’s not all strive to become just like #1.
For me, the fourth paragraph from the above quote is the key. Always look for people who give you feedback that resonates with you rather than someone who asks you to follow a pipe dream.
Like Ted Lasso says “For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves, on and off the field.” Find someone who can be Ted Lasso for you.