The “New Phone, Old Operating System” Analogy

Be honest…. Are you truly a match for what you’re striving for? I did not ask if you were worthy of it, I am asking… if you got what you have always wanted, is who you currently are capable of managing that gift?

In this week’s letter, we are all going to be iPhones. Imagine starting at the most basic level in the Apple Store of Life, let’s say as an iPhone 5, with its rudimentary operating system. Not impressive, not that great, yet harbouring immense potential to be a powerful thing.

Every day offers us an opportunity to improve on the existing model, to refine our internal framework, debug, update, evolve, to improve. As we enhance, like all iPhones, something starts to happen, the operating system surpasses the model of the phone, and then TADA!…new iPhones are announced because the internal system has outpaced our physical form and a compatible vessel is needed that can handle the capabilities of this new and improved operating system.

Darlings, to do more, you have to BE more…

This cycle can go on forever. I mean, Apple is still making new iPhones right? There is no limit to the power of innovating and improving. So, what this means is with the improvements, regular updates and tweaks in your internal operating system, you will find yourself needing full upgrades, i.e., becoming a new device/person capable of accommodating the advancements in your operating system.

So, are you actively updating and optimizing your internal framework for enhanced efficiency, introspection, and self-actualization? Do you want to keep rising to the next level, to continuously unlock new aspects of yourself?

Let me ask you…

If your biggest dream were suddenly placed on your lap, can you handle it well? Will you be what you need to be to manage that thing, that dream, or that desire? Can you step up? Would your current mindset and capabilities align with the demands of these positions?

Consider this - You woke up and you were the founder of the biggest startup in the world or a fashion mogul, or, you woke up to 1,000,000 followers on your Instagram and TikTok. What if you have just been handed a significant sum of money? Do you have a strategic plan to manage it effectively? What are you going to do next? Is your internal operating system even up to par with what is needed to power that optimal model?

Do you know the routines, decisions, plans, risks, meetings, choices, and sacrifices, that these levels come with? Could your internal operating system fit into this life and still power it successfully?

Too often, we seek external remedies for internal deficiencies. We wait for the perfect moment or ideal circumstances, overlooking the importance of internal preparation.

“I need a new phone to create better content”, “I need to get new gym clothes and then I will go to the gym consistently”, “If I could afford Canva Pro I would be so much better”,  “I will go on a diet when I can afford quinoa, salmon, and make Pinterest-style food”, “if my space was prettier, I could live the routine life that is aesthetically pleasing to film”… These excuses, while tempting, and sometimes true, are a lie of the mind. True progress starts from within. It’s about nurturing discipline, mastering routines, doing the best with what you have and loving yourself enough to know that anything that is from you is worthy enough already. It is about addressing internal needs before seeking external enhancements.

If you do not do that, all you are doing is trying to put a very outdated operating system into a new model. It simply will not function on the new model. That version you are is not optimized for the hardware you think you want…. It will not work.

Don’t blame the phone, blame the software.

We look for things to fill a need without the need itself being filled. Self-improvement requires more than shiny things, aesthetics, or the newest gadget or product. That is not what will solve what’s going on inside of you. The key lies in daily debugging, tweaking, improving upon and upgrading our internal software —these are the beliefs, habits, and mindsets that shape our actions and outcomes.

When you address the internal needs first, you cultivate a deeper appreciation for any external enhancements. Only then, will you start to unlock your true potential, bit by bit. That is how routines, consistencies, behaviours and mindsets are built to last

We have all watched countless videos and self-help books to change our lives. But I think the raw and honest truth is that if you’ve heard these things numerous times and it still hasn’t sprung you into action, there may be a blockage within the mind that is keeping you from becoming who you want to be.

When you have all the steps laid out in front of you, all of the confirmation to move forward, and you still aren’t stepping it’s clear to me that what you need NOW is the WILL POWER. And that is inside of you. When you deem yourself worthy enough to have an expectation of something great within yourself, that is when everything else is less of an issue.

If you feel worthy of greatness the routine to greatness will not be an issue

If you feel worthy enough to be seen, you will create and post with whatever gadget, tool or product you have

If you feel that you are worthy enough to look and feel great you will do any workout and move your body in any way to look and feel great

If you feel that riches are coming to you, then you will have a money mindset that is ready and waiting for when the riches do come

You have to change your emotional entitlement to the work that you are too afraid to face.

Focus on building your “software” first: Find your core values and the reasons that will keep you going. Identify your internal roadblocks and limiting beliefs. Prioritize healthy habits that fuel your mind and body. Align your actions with your core values and goals.

Focus on internal upgrades, and you’ll become the most powerful version of yourself - not just the latest iPhone model, but a machine capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.

I hope you found this a good read.