Fragile = easily broken

Robust = hard to break

Antifragile = benefit from hardship

Last quarter I was on a Nassim Taleb kick. The concept of antifragility has been rattling around my noggin since.

Some areas are clear: build an antifragile body through exercise & sparring.

Some areas are murky: how do I become antifragile as the breadwinner for the house (as a W2 worker)?

Today’s post will think through that question. I’d love to hear your thoughts as well (leave a comment or send me an email: motivated@kevinconnelly.blog)

Antifragile Income:

As a W2 worker, the faucet can be turned off at any moment (I like my job. I perform well. But I accept that as a reality). I shovel money into 401k & index accounts. The gains from those accounts + a W2 makes for 2 revenue streams. My 3rd is a long-tail of info products (books + courses), none of which are currently high selling, but if I continue to build, should stack over time.

Could I do better if I laser focused on one thing? Certainly. And I might in the future.

But I want to be hard to kill. Ideally, I’d like to have income from my day job, income from online products, investments, and a business in the physical world. All while keeping op-ex reasonable.

Antifragile Skills:

Reading, writing, math, speaking, mindset, and generally good with computers. With these sound fundamentals you can pick up additional skills with focus.

Intentionally go deeper on one & pick up a new skill every year.

Antifragile Network:

A Jiu-Jitsu black belt once gave me a simple framework for guard passing: up, down, side to side.

This is a good way to think about building your network too: Up, down, side to side.

• Build relationships with people ahead of you. (up)
• Mentor people behind you. (down)
• Talk w/people outside your industry. (side)
• Find a peer you can challenge yourself w/. (side)

Approach relationships with with a mindset to be enthusiastic, helpful & generous with other people. Not only is it more fun, but good things come back to you. Reputation and trust compound.

Antifragile Leverage:

We are in the age of infinite personal leverage. 70 years ago only the news broadcaster could reach millions. Now anyone can. Choose the game you want to play wisely.

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