my one recommendation to be successful at anything

If you’d like to be successful, I have one recommendation: spend a month consuming media you disagree with. If you’re watching MSNBC, watch Fox News. If you’re active on social media, change your algorithm by creating a new account and follow accounts you disagree with. If you’re listening to Joe Rogan, try Jon Stewart. If you’re scrolling Reddit, subscribe to /r/Conservative.

The goal of this isn’t to change your mind about what you believe, nor is it about finding a more balanced or nuanced view. Instead, when you watch or listen to media that is in conflict with what you believe, you will naturally pick it apart. Over time, you will recognize the patterns used to influence other people’s beliefs and decisions.

When you return to the media you are used to, you will see those same patterns. You’ll realize that many of your beliefs have been shaped by advertisers, political parties, governments, religions, social groups and anyone else that can produce media (which today, is anyone with a smartphone!) You may even recognize that the lessons your parents taught you came from the media they consumed.

Now, most people won’t do this. It is a difficult process that will strip your identity down to almost nothing. It’s a lot easier to stay within the comfort of an existing identity. For many, it is too humiliating to admit that they’ve been duped. For some, it is simply too depressing to confront the idea that their heroes are just good marketers.

But if you choose to go down this road, you’ll discover true freedom. You’ll see little value in the media that the average American spends 11 hours a day consuming. That’s over 4,000 hours a year - the equivalent of two full-time jobs - time that could now be yours.

With this newfound clarity and time, you can focus on what truly matters. You’ll be able to define success on your own terms and pursue goals that genuinely impact your life. While others remain distracted and influenced by the noise, you’ll have a significant advantage. You’ll have three times more time and energy each day to work toward your vision, think critically, and excel in ways most people never will.