“Who, Not How”: The Key to Entrepreneurial Freedom

Most entrepreneurs face a common challenge: they work tirelessly, are constantly under stress, and yet earn far less than they aspire to. Phrases like “I have so much to do” or “I’m overwhelmed with tasks today” are familiar refrains. If this resonates with you, then Dan Sullivan’s book Who, Not How might be exactly what you need.

In this article, we’ll summarize the key lessons from this book and explore how a simple shift in mindset can transform your productivity, income, and well-being.

The Core Philosophy

Dan Sullivan, a renowned business coach, shares a revolutionary approach to solving problems and achieving goals. Contrary to the common question, “How can I solve this?”, Sullivan argues that we should instead ask, “Who can solve this for me?”

The “how” mindset traps us in a cycle of doing everything ourselves, leading to burnout. But the “who” mindset allows us to leverage the skills and expertise of others, freeing up time for creativity, rest, and strategic thinking.

Lesson 1: The Freedom of Time

Let’s start with a simple story.

At 16, Rish wanted to earn money over the summer to buy things without relying on his parents. He considered taking a job at a grocery…