Tribe of Mentors

Tribe of Mentors is a book by Tim Ferris that features advice, stories, and practices from 130+ world-class performers in various disciplines. The book includes chess grandmasters, scientists, businessmen, and artists.

From this book, I gleaned invaluable wisdom, which I've distilled into four core ideas that are not just insightful, but also highly applicable in our daily lives.

Unlocking potential

Usually, you can rapidly improve a new skill by doing it more. 

But sometimes this breaks down. We hit a perceived plateau, and progress slows.

Assistance from a coach, mentor, or teacher can shatter stagnation with accountability, motivation, and new insights.

Heart > Brain

Technical expertise often triumphs in the modern world. 

Think of all the technology startups, businesses, and jobs fueled by complex and specific information. 

What about people skills? Soft skills?

A heart-over-brain mindset can lead to greater well-being. 

Acts of giving without expecting, expressing gratitude through thank you letters, and the liberal use of 'please' and 'thank you' were all hailed as commendable traits. 

These practices not only enhance life satisfaction but also foster a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

You can never have too much gratitude.

Creative Philosophy

The biggest trap in the creative process is desire.

Trying to attain financial success, mass appeal, or make something "good"; These desires kill art.

Focus on the possible rewards, and you'll miss the chance to create something unique—something that doesn't top charts, polarizes audiences, and that (some) people hate.

The more you try to make great art, the further you get from it.

When you create, it's hard to let go, embrace the randomness, and find the muses. But it's essential we do.

This is easier when art isn't life and death. If you need your art to succeed so you can eat, you're much more likely to "try".

The best creative work comes from a healthy, financially stable life where one can explore every possibility with childlike curiosity.

Maintaining presence

Almost every individual in the book advocated for a daily calming practice: Be it meditation, yoga, or distraction-free walks.

These practices serve as anchors, grounding us in the present and fostering a sense of centeredness.

If we're never here mentally, we can never appreciate what's in front of us.

A great life is the sum of great days. You'll miss today if you're stuck in the big picture, thinking in years and decades.