A month ago I shared how my Q2 plan showed just how little time I have for the most important projects.
Writing that article cracked something open. I’d been carrying an assumption for five years and never once challenged it.
The Unchallenged Assumption
In my 5 years as a chess coach, blogger and course creator, I always gave it for granted that this was a me thing. At most, I’d get some help from a freelancer or my amazing wife. That’s it.
Why?
Because I saw myself as a lonely fighter. Someone who doesn’t work well with others. After some bad experiences, I concluded I could only work alone. Additionally, I was convinced with my TBI history, hiring someone would stress me more than help me. Until I just asked myself:
What if I’d hire someone great?
The Absurdly Simple Solution
I felt really excited when I started thinking about it. If I have someone that knows my values, is great at the things I don’t enjoy doing (the business side of things), I could pour all my energy into helping you guys improve at chess.
Read, learn, create, help. What I love and am best at.
It was one of those things that were super obvious once I allowed myself to consider it. So the problem wasn’t: how can I do this all by myself, but instead: how can I find someone great to help me on my mission.
A totally different question, with completely different solutions.
Our Identity Is Full Of Unchallenged Assumptions
It made me realize once again that our identity is full of such unchallenged assumptions. They were helpful and correct some time ago when we created them. But now, maybe some of them are outdated.
That’s why it is so beneficial to challenge them from time to time.
To just ask: am I really a Solopreneur? Or is it time to revise that asssumption?
The key is allowing ourselves to at least consider a different path. My body instantly signaled: yes, this is outdated and finding the right person is an absolute hell yes.
So what assumption are you challenging today?
Keep improving,
GM Noël Studer
PS: This article was initially sent out to my Newsletter list. If you want to get chess improvement advice for free in your inbox, join 17,000+ chess improvers by signing up for Friday Grandmaster Insights here.
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