Lessons from BowTiedBull

BowTiedBull is the pseudonymous finance and business writer behind a paid crypto and finance Substack and the wider BowTied community on X. In a 2023 Reddit AMA the account described itself as "an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state." — Reddit r/defi AMA: "Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers…".

Infographic for "Lessons from BowTiedBull".

On Mindset and Personal Responsibility

On Equal Opportunity, Unequal Results: "Equal Opportunity, Unequal Results." This is a foundational principle of the BowTied community, emphasizing that while everyone may have access to the same information and opportunities, the outcomes will vary based on individual effort and talent. — Comments - Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together - On Substack.
On Winners Versus Losers: "Winners vs. Losers: The Only Filter That Matters." BowTiedBull argues the world eventually divides into people who keep improving and people who fall further behind, and that the useful filter is a person's trajectory rather than how loudly they flex. — Winners vs. Losers: The Only Filter That Matters.
On Not Fighting Reality: "Don't Fight Reality!" Instead of wishing for things to be different, accept the current trends and position yourself to benefit from them. — Future of Social Life in the 2020s and Beyond - BowTied Bull.
On Assuming Incompetence: "Assume Incompetence: This sounds terrible. Just think it." This is a practical approach to dealing with others, suggesting that assuming incompetence can prevent disappointment and help you better navigate situations. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Stress as the #1 Killer: "Stress #1 Killer: Overweight? Too thin? Smoke? Drink? Eh… stress is probably #1." Prioritizing low-stress living is seen as a key to long-term health and success. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Asking Experts About Their Expertise: "If you're an expert in say golf, you should ask people casually about golf. They will rush to tell you their “opinions”. Since you're an expert then follow up and ask if they are an expert in golf. Congrats you now know if you have a new contact or not." A method for filtering people and identifying true expertise. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Avoiding Instant Likability: "Avoid people with good first impressions. If they are likable on day one it means they have designed their life to be immediately likable. Run don't walk to the exit." A contrarian take on networking, suggesting that authenticity is more valuable than curated likability. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Imagining Yourself in 10 Years: "The only real way to self motivate is to imagine yourself in 10 years. Are you going to regret what you're doing now?" A powerful visualization technique for overcoming procrastination. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On Not Feeling Loaded: "You will not feel like you're 'loaded.' You will notice friends that have 1/10th your net worth spending more than you and wonder what on earth they are thinking." A commentary on the psychology of wealth and the difference between high net worth and high spending. — Comments - Want to be the 1%? Get Used to Building Assets - BowTied Bull.
On Focusing on Revenue Activities: "Your focus is not on minutiae. It is on activities that generate revenue and growth. That. Is. It." A stark reminder for entrepreneurs to prioritize income-generating tasks above all else. — Journaling and Accountability for Your Personal Success - BowTied Bull.

On Career and Building Wealth

On the #1 Paid Crypto Substack: "The #1 Paid Crypto Substack." This is how BowTiedBull positions their primary content platform, focusing on providing high-value, paid information in the crypto space. — BowTied Bull - Substack.
On Trading and Starting Rich: "Trading doesn't work unless you were born rich… Therefore follow the original set up of high paying career + wifi biz. After that you can go into investing more heavily since you'll have larger chips at the table vs. trying to swing for homeruns all day." A clear roadmap for wealth accumulation for young professionals. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On Focusing on One Priority: "Focus on One Priority: Multi-tasking is a major scam." Advocating for deep, focused work on a single priority at a time for maximum efficiency. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Looking 3 to 5 Years Ahead: "Look About 3-5 Years Ahead: If you're trying to make plans 3-5 years is a good time frame." A practical approach to long-term planning without getting lost in overly distant hypotheticals. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Sustainable Businesses in the Jungle: "As usual, we like to highlight new sustainable businesses launched in the jungle.... The part that does matter is creating a sustainable income for yourself based on what talents/skills/knowledge. After that, the sky is the limit since the only objective is scale, scale and scale." The core strategy for the BowTied community: build a sustainable business and then focus relentlessly on growth. — Starting a Biz in a 7,000 Year Old Industry From Nothing - BowTied Bull.
On Credentials Versus an Audience: "If you rely on credentials, you would be building a brand based on prestige. If you can build an audience based on your information and content alone this means you're at or near the top in what you do." The reasoning behind their anonymity and the emphasis on the quality of information over personal identity. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On Growing an Internet Business and Investing: "BowTiedBull helps people earn more money by growing an internet-based business and investing in crypto, stocks, and real estate better." A succinct summary of their value proposition to their audience. — Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together.
On DeFi as a Xerox Copy: "DeFi is currently a Xerox copy of financial services. Over time it needs to bring about new ways of doing transactions." A critical and forward-looking view on the state and potential of Decentralized Finance. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On New Coins Solving No Problem: "The main problem with all the new coins is that it doesn't really solve an issue. Generally speaking, most people over-estimate the new comer and underestimate the incumbent." A cautionary note for investors in the often-hyped crypto market. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On Delegation as a Necessity: "Delegation is a necessity. It is difficult when you start- no one will do the job as well or with as much care as you will. We know. Get over it. 80% is good enough." A crucial lesson for scaling a business and avoiding burnout. — Journaling and Accountability for Your Personal Success - BowTied Bull.
On Micromanagement as Insecurity: "Micromanagement is your insecurity- you're not allowed to be a bitch and run a business." A blunt take on the detrimental effects of micromanagement. — Journaling and Accountability for Your Personal Success - BowTied Bull.
On Results, Not Effort: "You care about results, not effort. There are no participation trophies." A results-oriented approach to management and business. — Journaling and Accountability for Your Personal Success - BowTied Bull.
On Spotting Trends: "If you want to make it financially, spotting trends and investing your time and energy into them is the way to do it!" A proactive strategy for wealth creation based on identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends. — Future of Social Life in the 2020s and Beyond - BowTied Bull.
On Finance Trends as Primary Content: "The primary content is what we'd label as “finance trends.” Crypto is a big focal point. If the market changes and we see something different in stocks, real estate, or e-commerce, the posts will highlight those items." An overview of their content strategy, which adapts to market changes. — Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together.

On Anonymity and Community

On Anonymity and Capability: "When you're anonymous, the only things that matter are your capabilities." The core benefit of operating under a pseudonym within the BowTied community. — Comments - Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together - On Substack.
On Value Add, Not Background: "No one in our community cares who you are or where you're from. Just your value add." A meritocratic principle that governs the BowTied Jungle. — Comments - Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together - On Substack.
On Building a Digital Nation: "We're quite serious about building a digital nation. The goal is to have information on every single topic that is niche and valuable." The ambitious vision for the BowTied ecosystem. — Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together.
On Relying on Skills Through Anonymity: "By being anon, we rely 100% on our skills, which is much harder to do." A statement on the challenge and integrity of building a reputation based solely on merit. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On Banksy as an Inspiration: "It is no surprise the artist Banksy was an inspiration for the style here." A direct acknowledgment of the influence behind their anonymous persona. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On a Digital Galt's Gulch: "The Bowtied community is a digital version of Galt's Gulch." A comparison of their community to the fictional haven for productive individuals in Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." — Comments - Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together - On Substack.
On Avoiding Legislation Talk: "We're a niche community and what you'll notice is very limited conversations about 'legislation and new bills'. This is by design." A focus on actionable strategies over political commentary. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On Talent Being Taboo: "Talent is a big 'taboo'. You can tell someone is talented within a month. It isn't fun to say outloud but it's true." A direct and unapologetic take on the recognition of innate abilities. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On the Jungle Unlocking Potential: "The jungle has been one of the best influences in my life. Really helped unlock my potential as I started to freelance code for clients outside of work to make more money." A testimonial from a community member on the positive impact of the BowTied ecosystem. — Comments - Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together - On Substack.
On a Community of Competent People: "If you're looking for a community of individuals who are competent, direct, and accessible with no time for BS this is the place." A description of the culture within the BowTied Jungle. — Comments - Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together - On Substack.

On Health and Lifestyle

On Finding Your Best Performance Times: "Figure out when your best performance is for each item and don't try to “change” the way your body works. You should adapt to how your body naturally functions." Advocating for working in alignment with one's natural rhythms rather than forcing a preconceived schedule. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Ego Lifting: "Generally, men obsess over being strong and muscular. This just results in 'ego lifting' or massive injuries later in life. Of the items listed here the one that matters the most is the first one: Tendons." A focus on long-term health and injury prevention in fitness. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Food Not Being Just Fuel: "Food Isn't Fuel." A rejection of the simplistic "if it fits your macros" approach to diet, suggesting a more holistic view of nutrition. — Random Life Lessons in No Particular Order - BowTied Bull.
On Investing in Your Family: "One upside to folks who are not going to be in the Top 1%: best investment you can make is in your family. Good spouse and kids going into old age beats staying at the Four Seasons in Hawaii vs. the Hilton in Florida." A reminder of the importance of personal relationships for those not in the top 1% of wealth. — bowtiedbull.io/p/want-to-be-the-1-get-used-to-building.
On a Three-Sentence Answer Before Bed: "We recommend doing it before bed. By doing the three sentence answer before bed you will create significant peace or restlessness." A specific recommendation for journaling to promote self-awareness and accountability. — Journaling and Accountability for Your Personal Success - BowTied Bull.
On Pets and Loneliness: "Pets are not only replacing kids but they are also being used to combat loneliness and depression since the economic needs of a Labrador is significantly lower." An observation on a significant social trend with economic implications. — Future of Social Life in the 2020s and Beyond - BowTied Bull.
On Holding Three Kinds of Assets: "If you have all three [hardware wallet, physical asset, physical cash] and you are forced to move funds around due to regulations you won't miss payments this way." A practical guide to financial resilience in the face of potential government overreach. — Hi, we're BowTiedBull, an anon group of Ex-Wall Street bankers and software engineers aiming to build a decentralized nation-state. Ask us anything. : r/defi - Reddit.
On Three Questions Before Moving On: "The only catch is you need to answer three questions before moving on: … What is the main thing you're trying to achieve? … What is the second most important thing you're trying to get achieve. … What is the primary personal life item you are working on?" A simple yet powerful framework for daily journaling and focus. — Journaling and Accountability for Your Personal Success - BowTied Bull.
On Focusing on Two Items Plus One: "This makes sure you're focused on two main items and a third item to prevent you from becoming a robot/aspergers type." The rationale behind balancing professional goals with personal development. — Journaling and Accountability for Your Personal Success - BowTied Bull.

On Communication and Content

On Writing for an Audience That Cares About Truth: "We want to cater to an audience that cares about the truth and for our writing to be easy to remember." The guiding principle behind their direct and memorable writing style. — Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together.
On Writing the Reverse of SEC Filings: "No one reads earnings calls or SEC filings, because they are boring. Our writing style is the reverse of these filings." A conscious effort to make complex financial information accessible and engaging. — Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together.
On Producing Volume: "Produce as much as you can. We write around 200 pages a month. At minimum, that shows we're working hard and following everything we can." A testament to their work ethic and a piece of advice for other content creators. — Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together.
On Ignoring People Who Do Not Like You: "A large chunk of people won't like you no matter what.... Ignore them and focus on the people who do like you." A practical approach to dealing with criticism and building a loyal audience. — Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together.
On Information Over Repetition: "The goal is to provide valuable information versus creating repetitive items when there isn't anything in the sector to talk about." A commitment to quality over quantity in their content creation. — Grow: How BowTiedBull created an ecosystem where anonymous writers rise together.

Learn more:

On Mindset and Personal Responsibility

On Career and Building Wealth

On Anonymity and Community

On Health and Lifestyle

On Communication and Content

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