Why Linear Thinking Won’t Lead You to the Future

In 2012, Jerry sat in a New York ballroom with 150 other entrepreneurs, listening to Peter Diamandis talk about the future. At the time, Diamandis was writing Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think. He laid out a vision of exponential technological growth—one that sounded Jetsons-level ridiculous at the time.

The Jetsons vs. Reality

Jerry had grown up watching The Jetsons, where flying cars, robot maids, and instant food machines were all part of daily life. But that was just fiction, right? Sitting in that Genius Network event, it seemed impossible that Diamandis’ predictions would unfold in just a few short years.

And yet—here we are.

Linear Brains, Exponential World

Diamandis explained something crucial: humans are wired to think linearly. We imagine the future one small step at a time. But technology doesn’t move that way—it doubles. Again and again.

He used a striking example. If you walk 30 steps linearly, you end up across the room. If you take 30 steps exponentially—doubling each step—you circle the Earth 26 times.

Most people can't fathom that kind of leap. That’s why exponential change sneaks up on us. It’s not just faster—it’s a different kind of fast.

The First Taste of Exponential

Jerry shared a personal story from the ‘80s. He once met Evel Knievel at a hotel bar in Albuquerque. The daredevil invited him to play golf—with a catch. They’d play for ten cents a hole, but the stakes would double on each hole.

At first, that doesn’t seem like it’d add up to that much. Ten cents. Twenty cents. Forty cents…

By hole 18, the wager would’ve hit over $13,000. At hole 20? $52,000.

That’s exponential math in action—deceptively small until it isn’t.

Technology Isn’t Slowing Down

Fast forward to 2011. IBM's Watson crushed two Jeopardy champions in a televised match. Not just because it had access to information—but because it could process that information faster than any human could.

Since then, AI and automation have accelerated. And the impact is being felt across every industry—including insurance.

What Happens to People in an AI World?

As AI handles more transactional tasks, it’s easy to wonder: what happens to people? Will we still be needed? Will we still matter?

The answer lies in something tech can’t replace—human connection.

The future will need people who can operate both with and without technology. Those who can build trust, create real relationships, and navigate complexity beyond algorithms.

The Opportunity Ahead

We’re at a tipping point. Many are panicking—overwhelmed by the speed of change and unsure how to evolve. But there’s a better path forward.

We believe in preparing people to lead in both worlds—the digital and the human. That’s the opportunity. Not just to survive this shift—but to shape it.

It’s easy to dismiss the future when it feels like science fiction. But the people who adapt to exponential thinking—and pair it with timeless human skill—will be the ones who shape what’s next.

Don't get left behind. Lean into the shift. Choose to lead it.

We’d love to know what this sparked for you. Because how we show up in a rapidly changing world isn’t just about our brand — it’s about what it unlocks for you, your thinking, and your future.

Through our GROWTH180 programs, your future becomes predictable. Transform your future by exponentially growing your book of business year after year in less time. If you’re ready to reach your fullest potential and unlock your Bigger Future, reach out to us. We’d love to schedule a call to explore how we can help you avoid burnout and elevate your success.

ELEVATION180 is a transformational coaching and mentoring organization that elevates your performance to achieve freedom, lifelong sustainable results, and a bigger future. Discover more by visiting www.ELEVATION180.com.

For insurance sales producers and agencies our GROWTH180 programs help you to transform your future by growing their book of business year after year.

For businesses, teams, and leaders, our ELEVATE180 programs help you transform your future by understanding yourself and your team to maximize energy, capacity, and capability.