Strategy before tactics

Do you remember the old children's game 'Simon Says'? Following the leader’s exact moves can be fun, but the game works because you're fully aware that your interests are not aligned with theirs.

You know you have to pay attention because the instructions could be misleading.

In real life, people play a very similar game while believing everyone has shared objectives. What's your office setup? What clothes did he buy? Which college did she go to?

People buy the pens Neil Gaiman uses and watch youtube videos on Picasso's morning routine (he got up in the afternoon) because they think, by copying the tactics, they might get similar results.

The allure of life hacks is undeniable. Quick fixes, shortcuts, the path of least resistance - it’s a siren song that many of us can't resist. But this can often be a mirage.