10 things I’ve learned from meeting James Altucher

Emir Zecovic | Posted on July 17, 2015 |

<1 min read ⌚

This week I’ve been in London at the event An Evening With James Altucher where I was part of the team who put together this large event for the Choose Yourself community.

I’ve also been fortunate enough to talk with him about nugget and give him a sneak peek. James loved nugget and gave me some really good advice that we’re going to implement in the time to come. He really is an idea machine.

The interactions with him made me write this post. So, here I go:

Be yourself

Putting on a mask takes away your energy and it’s counter productive. If somebody does not like you for who you are, don’t worry about it. Don’t try to change, because that will eventually backfire. Being comfortable in your own skin is an important skill.

Be fun & funny

Life’s too short to be bored and boring. Humour defuses a lot of tensed situations and brings people together. It also helps if you don’t take yourself too serious.

Be creative

All the jobs are moving away to cheaper destinations. But creativity and ideas can’t be outsourced. The guy tries to bring creativity in everything he does. There’s some cool videos coming from his event that I can’t wait to share with you. Fun & creative.

Don’t stress it

We’re a tiny form of life in an infinite universe, traveling through space. We won’t be here in 100 years. And nobody will care. So don’t stress it. Do the best you can, with what you have, at any particular time. Or whatever.

Give without asking

This was a large event, paid in full by James & Claudia. No entry fee. And everybody got a free copy of the hardcover for The Choose Yourself Guide to Wealth (read the summary and get the nuggets from it here) for free. When we told this while checking people into the event, most of them were confused and surprised.

A free event, where you get a lot of value and a free book and there is no ask in return?

Shocking, I know. I was surprised as well. My mind is programmed to think there will be an ask at the end. Sorry for thinking like that. There was no ask. Just selfless value. Thank you James & Claudia.

Have a scene

Most of the world’s most successful artists and entrepreneurs grew up together with other successful peers. They each helped each other and together they reached new heights. Similar to the mastermind concept, but in a less structured way, a scene is the group of people that you surround yourself with that want to help you succeed. The ones that make 1+1>2.

I’m also finding this increasingly important and I am actively working on growing my own scene.

Be 1% better each day

What does 1% better each day even mean? Nothing. It’s not really quantifiable.

It just means that each day you should try to better yourself. Just a little bit. Because it compounds and in 1 year, you’ll be a lot better than the person who started being better 1% a day one year ago.

Each being in this universe is in a constant state of growth or decay. There’s no stagnation. So you choose which you want to be. I for one want to grow.

Making money, keeping money and growing money are 3 different skills

You will want to grow all of these skills. You need them all.

De clutter

Life is better with less possessions and more experiences. Countless studies and anecdotes show this. We’ve been programmed by large corporations to always be buying the latest hot & new device in our search for material happiness. But things will bring you a small happiness for a short period of time. And being in a cluttered environment will take away from your mental energy and focus. Go for experiences instead.

You need support

You need the support of your friends. If you don’t get it, get other friends. Don’t keep toxic people around you. James has his scene and his wife, Claudia to offer support and that made him reach where he is today. What he would still need for support is a good belt 😉

I realised that besides going to London on business trips, I’ve only been there to see some of my idols put on a great show – Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart. This was no different, as James had a room full of fans and as always, he did put on a valuable and entertaining show.

It was a pleasure and an honour to meet one of the people I truly like, respect and follow. And with James, a normal picture would have not do. So we took a selfie. Because we choose ourselves!