TLDR;
This video features a conversation with Jay Yang, author of "You Can Just Do Things," who shares his philosophy on taking a permissionless approach to life and career. He emphasizes the importance of doing the work upfront, experimenting, and overcoming the fear of judgment. The discussion also covers balancing ambition with enjoyment, filtering opportunities, dealing with family pressures, building genuine relationships, and navigating imposter syndrome.
- Permissionless approach: Act without seeking approval.
- Experimentation: Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
- Genuine relationships: Build friendships, not just networks.
- Overcome fear: Take action despite potential setbacks.
Intro: What is a Permissionless Approach? [0:00]
The permissionless approach is the idea that individuals don't need approval to pursue their goals. It involves unconditioning oneself from the need for external validation and taking initiative. Jay Yang's book, "You Can Just Do Things," embodies this philosophy, showcasing how to create opportunities and build a career from scratch.
Noah Kagan: 50 Hours That Changed Everything [7:42]
Jay shares how he applied the permissionless approach to work with Noah Kagan. Inspired by Jeremy Mary's podcast, Jay cold emailed Tyler Den at Beehive and interned there. Later, he created a 19-slide pitch deck for Noah, including ready-to-publish content, demonstrating his expertise and strategic thinking. This proactive approach impressed Noah and led to a job offer.
Why Jay Dropped Out of College [11:44]
Jay discusses his decision to drop out of college after a year, emphasizing the value of experiential learning. He wanted to experience college life before deciding if it was the right path. Ultimately, he chose to work with Alex and Leila Hormosi at acquisition.com, feeling it aligned better with his goals.
Ambition vs. Enjoyment [19:52]
Jay reconciles ambition with enjoyment by finding joy in his work. He believes that fun isn't limited to partying and drinking, but can be found in curiosity, reading, writing, and engaging in meaningful conversations. He loves the work he does so much that doing the work is the joy.
The Obsession Tests: Pee Test, Midnight Test, Boredom Test [27:15]
Jay shares three tests to identify one's obsession: the Pee Test (losing track of time), the Midnight Test (working past midnight), and the Boredom Test (engaging in activities others find boring). These tests help individuals discover what they find naturally interesting, leading to increased skill and enjoyment.
What Holds People Back [32:59]
Two main factors hold people back: not experimenting enough and fear of judgment. Jay emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity and overcoming the fear of what others will think. He encourages people to lean into their interests, even if they're not popular.
Filtering Opportunities [40:16]
Jay outlines a four-step process for filtering opportunities: (1) define your north star, (2) identify necessary skills and traits, (3) connect with people who possess those skills, and (4) make it a no-brainer for those people to connect with you. He advises showing evidence of your abilities rather than just pitching ideas.
Overcoming Family Pressures [51:19]
Jay suggests showing parents evidence of your success rather than trying to convince them with words. By demonstrating your capabilities and commitment, you can alleviate their concerns about safety and security. He emphasizes that parents primarily want their children's well-being and happiness.
What Do You Want? [1:00:00]
Many people live the life they think they're supposed to rather than the life they actually want. It's essential to identify your true desires and be willing to pursue them, even if it means deviating from traditional paths. Jay encourages people to commit fully to their goals and not be afraid of failure.
Building Relationships Without Being Transactional [1:10:50]
Building genuine relationships is more valuable than transactional networking. Jay emphasizes the importance of being generous, authentic, and value-forward. He advises focusing on making friends rather than building a network, as genuine connections lead to more meaningful opportunities.
Navigating Imposter Syndrome [1:20:45]
Imposter syndrome is the belief that you don't belong in the room. Jay navigates it by viewing himself as a guide rather than a guru, sharing his notes with others. He emphasizes that everyone experiences insecurity, and it's essential to recognize that what is obvious to you can be amazing to others.
Jay’s Equation for Success [1:32:16]
Jay's equation for success is: superiority complex + crippling anxiety + love of the game. The superiority complex provides the courage to take action, the crippling anxiety drives continuous improvement, and the love of the game sustains long-term consistency.
Final Thoughts [1:34:54]
Jay leaves listeners with the message: "You can just do things." He encourages people to try the handle, as many opportunities are unlocked. He emphasizes that courage, not superior talent or skill, separates those who achieve their goals from those who don't.