Swimming Upstream | Slang with Stijn Vanorbeek

Success rarely comes from following the crowd. In this conversation, we explore the idea that only dead fish swim downstream, meaning that true progress happens when you go against the current.

Whether in business, creativity, or personal growth, the most valuable discoveries come from taking the less obvious path. If everyone is moving in one direction, sometimes the smartest move is to go the other way and find new opportunities.

This discussion is for entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone looking to break away from conventional thinking to create something unique.

Key Topics:

• Why following the crowd rarely leads to innovation
• The importance of friction and resistance in success
• How going against the flow can lead to better opportunities
• Why challenging the norm is key to discovery
• How swimming upstream can separate you from the competition

Quotes:

• "Only dead fish swim downstream."
• "If everyone is going in one direction, the real opportunity might be the other way."
• "Friction and challenge are necessary for true success."
• "Discovery happens when you take the road less traveled."
• "Great ideas don’t come from following trends—they come from challenging them."