RICH IN DARKEST-HOUR FRIENDS

Author

Jade Bonacolta
February 24, 2025

Welcome to The Quiet Rich, your weekly guide to a quiet mind and rich life. Today we’re talking about the #1 person everyone needs in their life (and how to be that person for someone else).

But first— big thanks to today’s sponsor, Artlist.

As a content creator and a marketing leader at Google, I have a unique view of the creative industry (and the best tools out there).

I’ve been using Artlist to create engaging videos as a creator in my spare time. And my team at Google Workspace just used it for Hollywood-quality soundtracks in our sizzle reels. Read the full article to learn how top tech companies are growing their brands.

CONTEXT

I came across this 1-minute video of entrepreneur Alex Hormozi talking about his wife, Leila. It gives me chills every time I watch it:

They’re now worth hundreds of millions. And it’s in part thanks to Leila’s unwavering belief in Alex at his lowest point. We all deserve someone like that. A ride-or-die partner.

My friend Sahil Bloom talks about this idea of “darkest hour friends.” We all have friends who are there for us when it’s fun, convenient, or valuable for them. But what about the people who were there for you when you had nothing to offer in return? Those are your “day one” people. Those are the people to hold onto and cherish.

And that is the kind of person you should aspire to be for someone else.

THE METHOD

3 powerful ways to reignite someone’s self-belief:

1. Start a "wins vault" for them.

  • When they overcome challenges, jot it down in a note on your phone.

  • Every time their self-doubt creeps in, remind them "Just last month, you handled [similar situation]. You're so resilient at getting through moments like this."

  • This concrete evidence is harder to dismiss than general encouragement.

2. Notice them succeeding in real-time.

  • Even during struggles, point out small wins as they happen. "I noticed how you stayed calm during that tough client call today"

  • or "The way you handled that team conflict shows your leadership instincts are spot-on."

  • This builds a counter-narrative to their self-doubt (and makes them feel seen).

3. Help them "zoom out."

  • When someone's in a 1-month dip, they often can't see their 1-year climb.

  • Instead of general praise, zoom out on their growth journey. "Remember when you first faced [similar challenge] in 2021, it took X weeks to solve. Last month, you handled the same issue in X days. That's not luck - that's your expertise showing up."

WHY IT WORKS

Everyone just needs one voice.

Just one.

One person who believes unwaveringly in them.

Cheers to being that voice for the most important people in your life.

Until next week,

Jade

P.S. There are only 10 days left to join my private coaching program, Archimedes. More than 60% of the spots have already been claimed for the March cohort! 🔥