The Difference Between Chasing and Building: Doing 'Their Thing' vs. 'The Thing

Many people are laser-focused on Their Thing—chasing individual goals, extracting value from every situation, and trying to maximize personal gain. But this mindset often leads to frustration. You may hustle hard, but real opportunities remain elusive. That’s because doing Their Thing is about taking, not building. It’s transactional, self-serving, and ultimately, limiting.

In contrast, my philosophy is rooted in cooperation—doing The Thing. It’s about collaboration, reciprocity, and building something greater together. When you shift your mindset from extraction to contribution, you’ll find that doors open more easily, and success becomes sustainable. My resources and connections have flourished because I focus on creating value for others, not just myself. That’s why I can’t justify investing in non-reciprocal efforts. If someone is only focused on what they can take, without contributing in return, I can’t put my resources into that.

The Shift: From Extraction to Cooperation

People stuck in Their Thing are constantly trying to extract value—“What can I get?” They see relationships as transactions, each one serving their immediate needs. While this mindset might lead to short-term gains, it doesn’t last. Eventually, people see the pattern and start distancing themselves. Trust erodes, and opportunities dry up.

Doing The Thing is a different approach. It’s about mutual benefit—asking, “What can we build together?” You focus on contributing to others, building relationships based on trust and reciprocity. When you’re aligned with The Thing, success flows naturally because people want to work with you, support you, and collaborate for the long-term. It’s a shift from scarcity to abundance.

The Costs of Doing “Their Thing”

If you’ve been grinding, working hard, and still not seeing results, it’s worth asking whether you’re stuck in Your Thing. Here’s why doing Your Thing leads to limitations:

1. Superficial Relationships: When your approach is transactional, relationships stay shallow. People sense when you’re only interested in what they can offer you, and eventually, those connections fade.
2. Trust Issues: Extraction-based relationships burn bridges. Once people feel used, they stop extending opportunities. Trust is the foundation of any meaningful partnership, and once it’s broken, it’s tough to rebuild.
3. Stunted Growth: No one succeeds alone. If you’re constantly focused on taking without giving back, you’ll find yourself isolated. True growth requires community, collaboration, and a network that supports you.

The Abundance of Doing “The Thing”

Doing The Thing means focusing on cooperation and reciprocity. When you approach relationships and opportunities with the intent to contribute and build something together, the results are transformational:

1. Deeper Connections: People who trust you will go out of their way to help you. Relationships built on mutual benefit create a ripple effect of opportunity. Doors open, and networks expand because people know you’re not just in it for yourself.
2. Sustainable Success: Long-term success is rooted in relationships that last. When you invest in others, they invest in you, creating a cycle of growth that extends far beyond individual transactions.
3. Enduring Respect: When you’re known for contributing rather than extracting, people respect and value your input. That respect leads to opportunities that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise.

Why I Don’t Invest in Non-Reciprocal Efforts

My philosophy of cooperation is the foundation of my success, and it’s how I choose to invest my resources. If someone’s mindset is solely focused on extraction—what they can take without contributing—I won’t funnel my resources into that. It’s a non-starter for me.

Resources, whether they’re financial, social, or intellectual, need to be placed where they will grow and create a positive, reciprocal impact. Non-reciprocal efforts drain those resources and offer little return, not just for me, but for the community as a whole.

How to Shift from “Their Thing” to “The Thing”

If you find yourself feeling stuck, ask yourself: Am I doing My Thing or The Thing? Are you focused on extracting value, or are you building something that benefits everyone involved?

Making this shift requires a change in mindset. Start looking for ways to contribute, help others grow, and focus on the bigger picture. When you invest in others and think in terms of collaboration, the resources, opportunities, and success you need will flow naturally.

“Abundance comes from cooperation, not extraction. If you want to grow, stop thinking about what you can take and start thinking about what you can build together.” — Israel Wilson

The Bottom Line

In an environment where everyone is focused on personal gain, the true path to abundance is through cooperation. Doing The Thing—investing in shared success, building lasting relationships, and focusing on mutual growth—leads to long-term success far beyond what can be achieved by doing Their Thing.

I’ve built my entire philosophy around this, and it’s why I connect with people who share this mindset. If someone is only focused on extracting value, there’s no room for growth, collaboration, or sustainable success. The future is built through cooperation, and those who commit to that will find endless rewards.