Don't be a victim. Be a Survivor ˙◠˙

In the entrepreneurial world, the challenges and obstacles can sometimes feel overwhelming. There will be moments when external factors—economic downturns, competitor moves, client losses—seem to conspire against you. In those moments, it’s easy to slip into a victim mindset. But what does that really achieve?

Charlie Munger’s advice, “Whenever you think that some situation or some person is ruining your life, it is actually you who are ruining your life… Feeling like a victim is a perfectly disastrous way to go through life,” is a powerful reminder that we always have control over how we respond. A victim mindset means placing the responsibility for your struggles or failures on external factors, making you passive in your own journey. When you blame others, situations, or the environment, you relinquish control of your life’s direction.

For entrepreneurs, this mindset is especially dangerous. Businesses thrive on action, innovation, and problem-solving. Being a victim robs you of the creativity and courage needed to take charge and find solutions. It’s about more than just positivity—it’s about recognizing that, while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how we react.

By choosing to reject the victim mentality, you’re taking ownership of your outcomes. You shift from thinking “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I do to overcome this?” This subtle shift is the difference between stagnation and growth, between failure and learning. It’s the mentality that empowers entrepreneurs to persevere through difficulties, adapt, and find ways to succeed where others might give up.

When you stop seeing yourself as a victim, you start seeing every setback as an opportunity for growth. You regain your agency, make empowered decisions, and take steps that put you back in the driver’s seat. The real danger lies in staying passive, in believing that external circumstances define your fate. Instead, embrace Munger’s advice, take charge, and remind yourself that the power to change your reality lies within you.

In the end, success isn’t about avoiding challenges—it's about how you face them.

Codifying who you are and what you want to be by knowing what to do, is a super power.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Beasts Guide on how to be successful in his production company got leaked(full guide here). Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the guide that can give you insights on how you too can control your outcomes by managing the input into any process.

The story of White Coke is a fascinating example of how product innovation can emerge from unique circumstances and the need to adapt to market realities—even in the most unexpected ways. Here’s the lesson we can draw on product innovation and market fit:

In the 1940s, Coca-Cola was not just a beverage—it was a symbol of American culture and influence. For Soviet Union Marshal Georgy Zhukov, being seen with Coke could signal an allegiance to Western ideals, something that wasn’t acceptable at the time. Yet, Zhukov loved the drink and wanted to consume it without facing political backlash. So, Coca-Cola innovated to meet a very specific need by developing a clear version of Coke that looked like vodka, a culturally acceptable drink in the Soviet Union.

Lesson for Entrepreneurs:

This story highlights the power of product-market fit and how it’s not just about creating a great product, but also about adapting it to the needs and cultural nuances of your audience. Coca-Cola recognized the importance of tailoring its product to meet the unique constraints and preferences of one of its key "customers," in this case, a high-ranking Soviet official. By doing so, they didn’t just create a product; they created a solution.

Innovation often doesn’t come from completely overhauling a product but from tweaking it to better align with the values, needs, and context of your market. Coca-Cola understood that for Zhukov, the color of the drink was more important than its taste. Entrepreneurs can apply this by ensuring their product adapts to the environment, culture, or specific pain points of their target market, even if it means making unconventional changes.

The product-market fit isn't static. It evolves as markets, customer preferences, and cultural contexts change. Coca-Cola’s innovation shows how being open to adjusting even a successful product to meet those shifts can open doors to new markets, strengthen customer loyalty, and create a lasting impact.

In essence, this story is a reminder to keep your product adaptable and always be ready to innovate—not necessarily by reinventing the wheel, but by refining the product in response to your market's evolving needs. Sometimes, all it takes is making Coke look like vodka.

Other peoples ideas. How?

In the world of entrepreneurship, there's a tendency to chase after the flashy, groundbreaking innovations. But often, the real magic lies in what I like to call the “boring stuff that scales.” It’s the small, incremental improvements that may not seem revolutionary but can transform a business over time.

Here’s the simple formula: Take something that already works and make it:

• Cheaper

• Faster

• Better

Or if you really want to hit the jackpot, do all three.

Think about it—most industries and products don’t need reinvention. They need refinement. Amazon didn’t invent retail, they made it faster and cheaper through better logistics. Southwest Airlines didn’t reinvent air travel, they made it cheaper and more efficient by simplifying their offerings.

It’s not glamorous, but focusing on these improvements builds the foundation for sustainable growth. That’s the kind of “boring” that scales—taking what's already proven and turning it into something unstoppable.

The latest research shows we’ve long underestimated the intelligence of insects. Bumblebees, for example, succeed at behavioral tests also passed by intelligent crows. They use tools to reach nectar in an artificial flower. Behavioral biologist Elizabeth Tibbetts is amazed at the paper wasp’s capacity to learn and understand. "They may not be universal geniuses like artists, but they’re brilliant in their fields,” says the researcher at the University of Michigan. The animals can memorize faces, eavesdrop on fighting rivals to assess potential opponents and think strategically.

They can master brain teasers that even small children can’t solve. Bumblebees, along with their relatives bees and paper wasps, are just three of almost a million insect species worldwide. But when it comes to these species, science agrees that the image of robotic creatures with no intelligence, that only exist to eat, be eaten or produce offspring, is outdated. Below, above and alongside us live tiny animals capable of learning and acting with intelligence. They are able to store images, shapes, colors and experiences in their brains.

100 Days to 2025: Transform Your Life Starting Now

Time is your most valuable currency, and with just 100 days left until 2025, there's no better moment to invest it wisely. Science suggests it takes around 66 days to form a new habit—meaning you have ample time to develop a skill, launch a project, or pivot your business strategy before the new year.

Here’s how to make these days count:

1. Set One Impactful Goal: Choose a skill or project that aligns with your long-term vision and will propel you forward.

2. Break It Down: Divide your goal into daily or weekly milestones. Small, consistent steps lead to big outcomes.

3. Schedule Non-Negotiable Time: Dedicate a specific time each day purely for this goal. Consistency beats intensity.

4. Leverage the 1% Rule: Aim to get 1% better each day. Tiny improvements compound dramatically over time.

5. Track and Adjust: Keep a journal or use apps to monitor your progress. Reflect weekly and adjust as needed.

6. Stay Accountable: Share your goal with someone or join a community pursuing similar objectives.

Remember, action conquers fear. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—the next 100 days are your runway to a transformative 2025. Start now, and watch how deliberate effort turns time into tangible success.

Nothing Lasts For Ever.

Lessons from Tupperware's Financial Struggles: Adaptability Is Key

Tupperware Brands—the iconic guardian of leftovers for 78 years—has recently faced significant financial challenges, citing a "challenging macroeconomic environment" and a failure to diversify sales online as reasons for its $1.2 billion in debts. This situation offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs about the critical importance of adaptability and innovation in business.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:

1. Embrace Digital Transformation:

   • Online Presence Is Essential: Tupperware's traditional direct-sales model struggled in an era where consumers increasingly prefer online shopping. Establishing a robust e-commerce platform and leveraging digital channels are no longer optional—they're vital for reaching today's customers.

   • Leverage Social Media and Technology: Utilizing social media for marketing and customer engagement can significantly enhance brand visibility and loyalty. Technology can also streamline operations and improve the customer experience.

2. Adapt to Changing Consumer Behaviors:

   • Stay Attuned to Market Trends: Consumer preferences evolve rapidly. Businesses must monitor these shifts and be willing to pivot strategies accordingly.

   • Innovate Continuously: Regularly updating and improving products or services keeps a brand relevant. Innovation shouldn't be a one-time effort but an ongoing process.

3. Diversify Sales Channels:

   • Reduce Reliance on Single Models: Depending heavily on one sales method increases vulnerability. Diversifying through online marketplaces, retail partnerships, and direct-to-consumer models can mitigate risk and open new revenue streams.

   • Global Reach with Local Adaptation: While expanding into new markets, adapting to local cultures and preferences can enhance acceptance and success.

4. Financial Prudence:

   • Manage Debt Wisely: Accumulating excessive debt can limit a company's flexibility and threaten its survival. Prudent financial management and cost control are essential, especially during economic downturns.

   • Build Economic Resilience: Preparing for macroeconomic challenges by maintaining healthy cash reserves and flexible business models can help weather financial storms.

5. Reinvent Brand Identity:

   • Refresh and Rebrand: Even well-established brands need to evolve their image to connect with new generations. This could involve modernizing the logo, messaging, or overall brand aesthetic.

   • Engage with New Audiences: Tailoring marketing strategies to appeal to younger demographics can rejuvenate interest and expand the customer base.

Tupperware's struggles underscore a fundamental truth in business: adaptability is essential for longevity. In a rapidly changing market landscape, clinging to outdated models can lead to decline, regardless of past success or brand recognition.

Bonus! Thought of the week

The most important aspect of giving feedback is the time gap between the action and the response. The sooner you provide feedback, the greater its impact and the less residual resentment.