Know Your Place in Life and Work With the Seagull Theory
Other people can tell us a lot about themselves. Even if they don’t directly offer feedback, we can pick up certain cues that say a lot about who we are and where we are. Author Ramit Sethi calls this “The Seagull Theory”.
Sethi explains that in the old days sailors often used seagulls to tell them that they were approaching land. The more seagulls they see, the more they will be sure that the land is near. He explains how it relates to your business and personal life:
The Seagull Theory describes how the most subtle clues can indicate that you are on the right track. For example, when someone says something once, you may not notice it. When you hear it again, it will be interesting. When you hear this three times, you bend over and start paying attention.
The seagull theory can give you an idea of what you should be doing in life. One person says you will make a great entrepreneur, but never mind. Another agrees, it’s interesting. After three, it might be worth considering.
Or you can use theory for personal development. Maybe someone says that you are too sensitive and you do not believe them. But if three, four, or five people are saying the same thing, it might be time to take the hint.
Finally, this is a great way to see where you are standing with something. Sethi gives a personal example:
If you listen to how people describe this site, some of them will say, “Oh yes, I will teach you how to be rich , this is a personal finance site, right?”
I haven’t written about personal finance in years. This seagull shows how difficult it is to change position in consciousness. It is not their fault – it is my fault that I did not facilitate the description of weapons and military equipment. (I am writing about personal development, not personal finance.)
His proposal? Think about the possible seagulls in your life. They can offer insight into what you are missing. Check out his full post for more details.
The Seagull Theory | I will teach you to be rich