#17: Henrik Werderlin — Pursuing Interestingness over Goals
Feb 13, 2024
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Henrik Werdelin, co-founder of Bark / Barkbox and Prehype, talks about pursuing interests over goals in entrepreneurship, utilizing AI to crystallize ideas, longevity protocols, and his 8+1 framework for life planning. They discuss open-endedness, longevity, personalized bedtime stories using AI, and using AI to explain complex topics to children.
Pursuing interests over goals can lead to more interesting outcomes and extraordinary achievements.
Identifying problems, not just generating ideas, is a better starting point for creating valuable solutions.
Deep dives
Exploring What Excites You Instead of Setting Goals
Henrik Wergalen, co-founder of Barkbox, shares his approach to pursuing interests rather than setting specific goals. He believes in following the path that excites him the most, which can lead to more interesting outcomes. He discusses the concept of collecting 'interestingness' as stepping stones towards doing something extraordinary, as opposed to solely pursuing predefined goals.
Hunting for Problems Instead of Ideas
Henrik emphasizes the importance of focusing on identifying problems rather than generating ideas. He believes that problems provide a better starting point for creating valuable solutions. Henrik shares his approach of constantly thinking about things that suck for people and converting these problems into thesis statements. He sees failure as an integral part of the process and encourages being unemotional about the ideas or solutions that don't work out.
The Plus One Framework for a Rich Life
Henrik introduces the 8+1 framework, which aims to help individuals thrive in different areas of life. The eight main components include capital, investment, assistance, learning, health, family, relationships, and self-kindness. He emphasizes the importance of being a plus player across all areas, rather than striving to excel in just one. Henrik suggests regularly assessing and experimenting with these areas to ensure a balanced and fulfilling life.
I chat with Henrik Werdelin (co-founder of Barkbox) about pursuing interests rather than goals for starting companies, based on the idea of open-endedness. We also talk about how Henrik using AI to crystalize his ideas, longevity protocols, and his 8+1 framework for life planning.
GUEST
Henrik Werdelin is an entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding Bark / Barkbox (NYSE Listed $BARK). As well as starting Prehype, a venture building research and development group headquartered in New York.