Shark Theory

Don't Prepare for Everything, Prepare for What's Next


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When you try to prepare for every possible scenario, you don't become more effective. You just become slower. Progress requires clarity, not clutter.

Show Notes — Don't Prepare for Everything, Prepare for What's Next In this episode, Baylor revisits a story from Extreme Ownership about Navy SEALs who weighed themselves down by over-preparing for a mission. They were trying to be ready for everything, but the extra load only slowed them down.

Baylor breaks down why the same thing happens in real life. People think they're being strategic, but they're really hiding behind preparation as a socially acceptable form of procrastination. Whether it's a business plan rewritten a hundred times or a life goal waiting for the perfect moment, the cost of inaction is almost always higher than the cost of taking the first step.

He challenges listeners to carry only what is needed for the next level, not for every possible scenario. Level ten tools don't matter when you're still on level one. As you grow, you can retool. As you evolve, you can reassess. But momentum requires movement.

This episode reframes overthinking as dead weight and encourages you to step into 2026 lighter, faster, and more focused on action than imagined obstacles.

What You'll Learn Why over-preparing slows progress How preparation becomes a disguised form of fear The importance of knowing only what you need for the next step Why you shouldn't solve tomorrow's problems today How to identify the things weighing you down Why adapting as you go beats trying to prepare for every outcome

Featured Quote "The cost of inaction is almost always higher than the cost of taking action."

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Shark TheoryBy Baylor Barbee

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