The Buddha and the Badass summary

Once you’re pursuing work and goals that match your foundational values, you need to surround yourself with people who can help you accomplish them. But you can’t partner up with just anyone. The people you work with must be like-minded and aligned with your values. The good news is that you can ensure such people are drawn to you.

The key message here is: To attract the right people, communicate your deeper purpose and your plan clearly. 

When collaborating on work or personal projects, what influences success?

You’re likely thinking of strengths, communication, responsibilities, and timelines. And you’re not wrong; these are definitely important when working with people. But there’s another component that’s absolutely essential – social connection.

Today, the world is connected in more ways than ever. This has many benefits, but it also creates significant responsibilities. Our actions and choices have far-reaching consequences, a fact that is especially true in business.

Some companies focus only on profit, ignoring the harm that they or their products are causing. These are what the author calls Humanity Minus companies. Needless to say, this isn’t in alignment with either the Buddha or the badass mentality. Merging the strengths of both the Buddha and the badass means being Humanity Plus – having a mission that adds value to the world.

Have you ever heard of the flea-in-the-jar experiment?

Scientists placed fleas in an open jar, and, as you’d expect, they all jumped out. Then they were placed in a sealed jar for a few days, and something interesting happened. When the lid was removed, the fleas didn’t jump out. Even though there was nothing stopping them, they’d been conditioned to jump only as high as the jar’s opening.

Picture this: you’re brainstorming with a colleague and the two of you are on fire. You’re completely in sync, building on each other’s ideas with lightning speed. It’s fun and exciting, and you both feel that you’re on to something amazing.

There’s a term for this. It’s called brain coupling, and neuroscientists have found that when people experience it, their brains are literally on the same frequency. This means they operate like one unified superbrain.

You’ve probably met people who aren’t bothered by other people’s opinions of them. They march to the beat of their own drum, and easily brush off setbacks, be it a failed date or a bit of negative feedback. Such people have achieved something powerful; they’ve overcome the need to feel significant in the eyes of others.

This takes some work because humans naturally crave approval. But when people are totally comfortable with who they are, their confidence is impossible to shake and they gain full control of their lives. This is a badass quality, and, luckily, it’s an attitude that you, too, can develop.

Do you remember when you started chasing success? Maybe your parents encouraged you to, or you noticed that successful people are celebrated and praised. However you came to the idea, you’re not alone in thinking that life is all about how much you achieve.

But this isn’t the point of life at all. You shouldn’t be focused on pursuing success. Rather, your ultimate goal should be growth.

What does your ideal self look like?

Maybe this perfect you is incredibly fit. Or in a fantastic relationship. Or rich enough to never worry about money. Now, what if someone told you that you can become that person? All you have to do is decide that that’s who you are.