'WTF' Framework inspired from 'Buddha'

Four years ago, I read the book Siddhartha by Herman Hesse It's a story about a young man who lived during Buddha's time. Back then, I read it through a self-help lens, so didn’t retain much.

I was the typical 'hustler entrepreneur' - saying yes to everything, running on adrenaline, and proud of juggling multiple projects. Then I burned out spectacularly.

I haven't shared my thoughts publicly in a while, so here we go.

The story takes place in ancient India, where Siddhartha decides to leave his home in the hope of gaining spiritual illumination by becoming a monk. His best friend Govinda joins him. Together, they fast, live without homes, give up everything they own, and meditate deeply.

Recently, I have been reading ‘Tools of Titans’, which had a section about this. It discussed the 3 qualities of Siddhartha when we went for an interview to earn wealth (which he needed to date a prostitute).

He said he can do 3 things:

1) he can wait 2) he can think 3) and he can fast.

From an entrepreneurial (or ultrapreneurial) perspective, these translate to:

• waiting→ being able to plan long term and patience with resources.

• thinking → good rules for decision making and good questions to ask yourself and others.

• fast→ staying calm during tough times and have high pain tolerance.

This year specially since taking up this ultrapreneur’s challenge, and to have sharp focus instead of doing multitasking and 10 things at once (which I have been guilty of). I’ve been working on these three qualities.

The benefits have been surprising, and I wanted to document them publicly:

WAIT

I have learned to wait, replacing the “ship now” mindset, I follow the FIFO (First In, First Out) structure. Ideas are welcome but go into my Notion until their turn comes.

FASTING

Fasting - both literally and metaphorically - has taught me discipline and resilience.
I have been testing fasting on Ekadashi, with amazing results.

On fasting days, I'm more active (logical, since digestion gets a break), and my mind races less, producing well-thought-out ideas. To use an AI analogy, it's like upgrading from ChatGPT 3.5 to chatgpt o1-preview(the latest Chain of Thought model which thinks before replying).

I dedicate these days to reviewing business decisions, examining KPIs, and planning ahead. By limiting decision-making to every 15 days, I've found smarter shortcuts.

THINKING

I've also changed my thinking habits by establishing personal rules:

Maximizing "NOs" (completely opposite to Vaibhav 1.0, who was a college hustler taking on anything unfamiliar). While that approach helped me gain exposure, understand my potential, and build confidence, my priorities have shifted. Focus is now the superpower I strive for. Use Impact x Effort matrix score system

Minimizing rash decisions has been crucial. I've suffered from hasty partnerships I never truly wanted, poor financial decisions, and impulsive reactions to problems and opportunities.

Waiting and fasting directly enhance thinking. In my view, life's greatest resource isn't time or money - it's the decisions you make. CEOs of billion-dollar companies are paid for decision-making ability.

Decisions can make or break you. I maintain decision trackers in Notion, scheduling reviews after six months to evaluate outcomes. I use Farnam Street's decision template .

When faced with problems, instead of reacting immediately, I calm down, spend days writing possible solutions, think through the best ones, and start testing.

Almost always, waiting through these times proves better than adopting a WAR Time CEO. This approach only works with strong, strictly followed frameworks that you don't overrule.

Remember Steve jobs when he said “I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”

Aftermath

This framework changed everything. My ecom biz is leaner and more profitable than ever. I spend much less time in the business and barely stress about it.

Its crazy as I get more done by doing less. Ideas hit different now - they're sharper, more focused. Sure, I still battle with decision fatigue sometimes, but it's way better than before.

Best part is finding a sustainable way to grow without burning out.

Reminds me of what Tushar used to say at Persistence.one - it's a marathon, not a sprint.

I learned this the hard way after reading Gita, scientifically with GVI through my mentor. Some truths you just have to experience to believe.

Turns out slowing down actually speeds things up.

In summary : Try the Ultrapreneur’s WTF framework:

• Begin with a Decision Fast: Take 24 hours before saying yes to any new opportunity

• Create a Waiting System: Set up a simple FIFO queue in Notion or your preferred tool. Manage tasks effectively.

• Build Your Thinking Framework: Start with these three questions for every decision:

  • What's the real cost (time, energy, opportunity)?

  • What's the worst that could happen if I wait?

  • What would this mean for me in 5 years?

The ultimate irony of entrepreneurship is that true freedom comes from constraint.

Buddha found enlightenment through discipline, not indulgence.

I found that my best business decisions come not from constant action, but by WTFing!