Tools of Titans is the most fascinating books I have had the pleasure of reading. Tim Ferriss has been able to engage with so many extraordinary people in this world through his podcast, and Tools of Titans has effectively handed over the keys these people use to succeed. This book, so adequately named, truly provides “The tactics, routines, and habits of billionaires, icons, and world-class performers”.
Tim Ferriss has been able to share these lessons in short, summary type profiles, which are much easier to pull information from, than say a long chapter dedicated to each person. This has become my favorite book simply because of the convenience to learn a lesson in 5 minutes of reading, when I might not be in a place to sit down and read for 30 minutes, searching for the takeaway in other books.
I read at least one profile from Tools of Titans every day, usually in my truck before work, and now I feel equipped to share some of the wisdom I have gained. This is the first post in an ongoing series I’m calling ‘Titan Tips’, where I give a short overview of what I am taking away from my daily reading.
'Overcoming peer pressure'
Shaun White, professional snowboarder, skateboarder, Olympian, and X-Games legend was my favorite athlete and who I wanted to be like growing up. Snowboarding is one of the most important things in my life, and Shaun White is a major influencer on my love for the sport, so it only feels right to highlight his profile on this debut of Titan Tips.
When Shaun White was just 15 years old, he was competing internationally, and one particular event shaped his life, and solidified his ambitions to be the best. He qualified for the Toyota Big Air competition in Japan as a wild-card entry, which meant he could compete, but he had to pay for his flights, hotel, food, everything. The others who qualified were much older than him, and as sponsored riders, all of their expenses were paid for this competition.
The night before the competition, all the other riders went out and partied, while Shaun was in his hotel room doing school work with his mom. Come morning, Shaun was warming up, feeling very confident, and the other riders, who were hungover, all decided that they were not going to compete.
They decided that they would just split the $50k prize money amongst all the competitors. Shaun White stood up for himself and determined that he was going to compete to win the prize money, regardless of the pressure these other riders were putting on him to forego competing.
Young Shaun White won that competition, the $50k, and a car! This story inspires me to stand up for what I believe in, and go confidently after my dreams, regardless of my age, or the pressure of those around me. As I think about my ambitions, and how they must appear absurd for someone only 20 years old, I often think of this story, and feel reassured that I can accomplish my goals through perseverance and drive.
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