Chapter 1: The Foundation of Your Pyramid

To embark on the journey of building your personal pyramid, you must first establish the pinnacle—your ultimate goal.

Many self-help publications are often unhelpful and can even hinder progress. They typically present a handful of generic suggestions such as “be mindful, avoid excessive caffeine, stick to routines, and keep in touch with loved ones,” but the majority consists of a lengthy list of actions without prioritizing which to tackle first. This can overwhelm anyone, leading to too much information (TMI).

A significant issue with these “be productive, stay focused, and achieve wealth in ten steps” guides is the absence of a clear, structured plan that helps readers discern whether each step is necessary. The result is that individuals may lose focus, concentrating on less critical tasks like achieving inner peace or waking up at dawn. Each of us leads unique lives, making it essential to choose literature that resonates with our personal journeys.

It's crucial to recognize that what we read is retained in our minds, and we cannot simply forget it at will. Our understanding of the brain remains incomplete, as highlighted in Daniel Kahneman’s insightful work, “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” which delves into how we make choices through System 1 (impulsive decisions) and System 2 (thoughtful decision-making). This raises the intriguing question: “Do we truly control all our decisions?”

This contemplation leads us to the first essential step—the peak of our pyramid: The Goal. Many individuals falter here. Why? Because without a clearly defined goal, you cannot effectively build your pyramid. Without a clear vision of what you are striving for, you will likely utilize inappropriate tools and strategies.

Too often, people invest time in purchasing courses, reading productivity books, and watching countless YouTube videos about morning routines that promise wealth, yet they still fail to reach their aspirations. It’s crucial to articulate your goal clearly. Instead of stating, “I want to be rich,” specify how you plan to achieve that, such as, “I aspire to become wealthy by writing books” or “I aim to prosper through my plumbing business.” Clarity in your goal will significantly influence your subsequent actions and the overall structure of your pyramid.

For guidance on effective goal-setting, consider reading “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox. The beauty of constructing your personal pyramid lies in your ability to modify its structure and the number of blocks based on your achievements. Your clarity of vision will determine the strength and stability of your pyramid.

1st step — Define your goal clearly.

To aid in visualizing our discussion, I created a simple sketch illustrating The Goal, its implications, and the foundational elements that will be adjusted according to the pyramid's overall weight. The Goal is the defining characteristic of your pyramid.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Tools for Your Pyramid

The following video titled "Step-by-Step Guide: Constructing the Egyptian Pyramids (In-Depth Exploration)" offers a thorough examination of foundational principles relevant to our personal pyramid-building journey.

Additionally, the tutorial "How to Solve a Pyraminx (EASY Beginner Tutorial)" provides an engaging perspective on problem-solving that can be beneficial in shaping your approach to achieving your goals.