The Better You Get

When discussing health, Peter Attia says that going from nothing to implementing the very basics gets you 80% of the benefit. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, get out for a walk every morning. If your diet is crap, remove processed foods and get some quality protein. If you don't lift weights, do push ups and pull ups.

Justin Jefferson has had one of the great early careers in NFL history. While he's gifted with incredible physical tools, his ongoing work with specialists like Jerry Sullivan continues to separate him from his peers. He has a drive and willingness to dig deep on that last 20%. To get into detail where others will not. To leave no stone unturned. 

Likely first ballot Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald has also worked with Sullivan. He described it as follows:

“The way he teaches is different,” Fitzgerald said. “Nobody I’ve been around has taught it the way he has. The footwork at the top of the break. It’s different than other people. Other people will tell you, ‘Run fast and stop.’ They don’t get into the nitty-gritty. The angle of your foot when it hits the ground on a curl route. It shouldn’t be straight. You have to turn your toe in 90 degrees to get out of that break. Those key nuances are the differences between a guy breaking the ball up on a curl route, and you making that catch. Those intricate details are what separates you. And Jerry was big on those details."

Personal finance is the same way. If I tell you to live below your means, follow your plan with your portfolio and do your best align money decisions with values, you're more likely to do well. 80% of the way there.

But going deeper on that last 20% is where good coaching can really help, given the more technical and specific nature of work. Effectively managing stock compensation, retirement income/distribution planning, tax planning, curating information sources etc. In Justin Jefferson's case, his desire to go above and beyond may be the difference between a few all-pro seasons and a first ballot Hall of Fame type career. For you, it could be the difference between retiring at 60 instead of 65. 

When you're watching #18 on Sunday's, understand that part of his greatness is directly tied to his willingness and desire to get better and be coached. Not a one-time session, but perpetual. 

"The better you get, the better you have to be."

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^{Source: Justin Jefferson, his wide receiver ‘sensei’ and the art of running silky-smooth routes (The Athletic)}