How to Get Everything You Want Out of Life⏐Ep. #144
Mar 17, 2025
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In this conversation with Jordan Mix, a partner at Late Checkout specializing in innovation for Fortune 500 companies, listeners are introduced to the concept of permissionless projects. Jordan discusses how these projects can unlock unexpected opportunities, sharing stories of creative endeavors like custom sneaker design. He explains Ryan Holiday's canvas strategy and how embracing creativity fosters valuable connections. The discussion emphasizes proactive action, risk-taking, and the impact of collaboration in entrepreneurship, offering inspiration for anyone looking to innovate.
Permissionless projects allow individuals to creatively pursue opportunities without prior approval, fostering unique career paths and valuable connections.
Building relationships through genuine value creation—like supporting influential figures' needs—can lead to meaningful collaborations beyond traditional networking.
Transformative personal stories highlight the power of innovative projects, emphasizing process over outcome and encouraging creative risk-taking in pursuit of success.
Deep dives
The Concept of Permissionless Projects
Permissionless projects involve taking initiative to create work or foster connections without seeking prior approval from others. This approach encourages individuals to think creatively and take risks in pursuit of unique opportunities that may not have been previously accessible. For instance, one individual shared his experience of making custom sneakers from playoff towels as a way to reach his favorite basketball player, demonstrating how permissionless projects can lead to unexpected, meaningful interactions. By engaging in such projects, individuals can change their careers and lives by carving out their own paths and making valuable connections along the way.
Building Valuable Connections
Developing valuable connections often requires more than traditional networking methods; instead, focusing on creating genuine value can have a lasting impact. One example discussed involved reaching out to a prominent figure through actions that directly supported their needs—like creating a visual representation of their concepts. This strategic approach not only resulted in a FaceTime call but also led to a collaborative working relationship, illustrating the potential of building relationships based on shared interests rather than merely transactional encounters. The focus on providing value rather than seeking something in return can significantly enhance the chances of fruitful exchanges.
Learning from Personal Experiences
Personal stories of success gained through innovative approaches can serve as key motivators for individuals pursuing similar paths. Listeners were inspired by anecdotes of transforming seemingly mundane tasks into remarkable opportunities, such as creating custom shoes for a favorite athlete. This example highlighted not only creativity and passion but also how a thoughtfully executed project can open doors to unforgettable experiences. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, individuals can find satisfaction in their efforts and cultivate relationships that may lead to future success.
The Importance of Mindset and Action
A growth-oriented mindset is critical for anyone looking to embark on a journey of permissionless projects and entrepreneurial endeavors. Listeners were encouraged to take actionable steps based on their skills and interests, such as identifying gaps within target industries or networks. This proactive approach emphasizes the power of taking initiative and facing the fear of rejection in pursuit of innovative ideas. Engaging in numerous small projects allows individuals to build skills and resilience over time, ultimately leading to more significant opportunities and lasting connections.
Creating Asymmetric Opportunities
One key takeaway from the discussions highlighted the concept of asymmetric opportunities, where the input significantly outweighs the potential return. By investing minimal time and resources into thoughtful gestures, like creating custom books or unique gifts for industry leaders, individuals can foster lasting relationships and high-value interactions. These small but impactful initiatives can yield substantial benefits, such as gaining insights, collaborations, or even mentorship opportunities from established figures. The discussions underscore the importance of creativity, strategy, and persistence in navigating one's career and making meaningful connections.
I sat down with Jordan Mix, a partner working with Greg Isenberg at Late Checkout, to talk about permissionless projects. We discussed what they are, and Jordan shared the core ideas behind Ryan Holiday's canvas strategy and Jack Butcher's permissionless apprentice philosophy. He shared a few fascinating stories about how undertaking these projects, such as creating custom sneakers and responding creatively to social media posts, led to unexpected opportunities with big names. Jordan explained how this approach can create valuable connections and skills. Listen to this episode to learn how you can start your own permissionless projects!
00:00 Introduction to Permissionless Projects 05:45 The Canvas Strategy and Its Impact 11:56 Real-Life Applications of Permissionless Projects 18:06 Building Relationships Through Creative Projects 24:12 The Art of Creating Without Permission 25:09 Visualizing Business in 2023 26:36 The Birth of 'Do Within' and Permissionless Projects 27:35 Building Community and Business at Late Checkout 29:30 Finding Value in Collaboration 31:54 The Power of Being a Number Two 32:52 Learning from Experiments and Rejections 34:49 The Compounding Effect of Opportunities 36:07 Identifying Skills and Targeting Opportunities 38:03 Creating Value Without Expectation 40:54 The Asymmetric Bet of Permissionless Projects 42:19 Rethinking Networking and Problem Solving 44:10 Building a Portfolio of Experiences 45:37 Chasing Rejections and Learning from Failure
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