From Stuck to Unstoppable: 5 Principles That Changed My Tech Career 🚀

Ready to level up? Here’s how to work smarter and win the long game.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop?

Learning frameworks, chasing certifications, or jumping from one hot tech topic to the next? 🚀

I used to do that too, but I don’t do it anymore.

Last year, I discovered Naval Ravikant’s principles.

They hit different—like a cheat code for life, especially for people in tech.

Here are 5 simple concepts and how they can transform the way you approach your career and life.

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Credit — Midjourney

Principle #1: Specific Knowledge 🧠

"Learn to sell. Learn to build. If you can do both, you will be unstoppable."

Specific knowledge isn’t something you find in a course.

It’s unique to YOU—what you naturally excel at, combined with hard-won skills.

If you are an engineer:

• 🐛 Are you great at debugging gnarly problems?

• 🚢 Do you ship clean, scalable code faster than most?

• 🥨 Can you explain complex systems so anyone can understand?

Lean into that.

Don’t just learn what’s trendy (like the new buzzword AI agents 🤖)—double down on what makes you valuable in ways no one else can replicate.

Principle #2: Accountability 🧨

"Take risks under your own name."

In tech, it’s easy to hide behind teams or processes.

But accountability is where the magic happens.

When you own outcomes—good or bad—you level up fast.

Try this:

• 🦸‍♂️ Volunteer to lead a project.

• ✍ Ship that side hustle with your name on it.

• 🎭 Say, “If this fails, it’s on me,” and mean it.

Accountability is how reputations—and careers—are made.

Principle #3: Equity 👨‍💼

"You will never get rich renting out your time."

If you only work for a paycheck, you’ll always trade time for money.

Wealth comes from building systems or owning something that scales.

If you work in tech:

• 🤝 Negotiate for equity in startups.

• 🚀 Build your own product on the side.

• 🤹‍♂️ Contribute to open-source projects that showcase your skills.

Think long-term.

Ownership > hourly rates.

Principle #4: Leverage ✨

"Give me a lever long enough, and I’ll move the world."

Leverage is what multiplies your effort.

In tech, there are three types:

1. 👨‍💻 Code: Write software once, let it scale infinitely.

2. 📝 Media: Your blog, YouTube channel, or newsletter can work for you while you sleep.

3. 💰 Capital: Invest your money in projects, startups, or tools that generate passive returns.

Ask yourself:

How can I build systems or assets that amplify my work without adding more hours to my day?

Principle #5: Time ⌛

"Play long-term games with long-term people."

Your time is finite.

Spend it on things—and with people—that truly matter.

In your career:

• 🍄 Don’t over-optimize for short-term gains (like chasing high salaries at toxic companies).

• 🏆 Build relationships with colleagues who inspire and challenge you.

• 🎯 Prioritize meaningful work over shallow tasks.

Your time is your most valuable asset.

Guard it fiercely.

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Imagine This 🌟

• 🚀 A career where you do what you love AND get paid for your unique genius.

• 😴 Projects that generate wealth and impact, even while you sleep.

• 🥇 Time spent on what matters most: your growth, your health, and your relationships.

Sound like a dream? It’s not.

Naval’s principles can make it your reality.

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What’s Your Move?

1. What’s one area of your life where you can apply these principles today?

2. Drop your thoughts below, and let’s brainstorm how to make it happen. 👇

Ready to play the long game? Let’s do this. 🚀

—Alberto

P.S… I’m playing the long game with this newsletter. I’m not going to pursue a fancy job at Google because that’s what I’m supposed to do. Instead, I would rather build something of my own ✍

P.P.S… If you want to do the same, reply to this email and I will teach you how. Let’s work together 🙌