Telling yourself hard truths might not always be enjoyable, but it’s often the best way to move forward. It’s tempting to hear what we want rather than what we need, but ultimately, facing reality helps us avoid the end of the fairy tale.
From ages 10 to 16, I used the concept of karma as an excuse for just about everything. I’d argue that if I was destined to get into a good university, it would happen without me having to study hard, or that fate would decide if I was going to be rich or poor, so I might as well have fun in the meantime. My reasoning also extended to personal safety and relationships, using fate as an excuse to avoid taking responsibility or action.
This mindset persisted until my dad gave me a wake-up call when I repeatedly asked for a motorcycle. He bluntly reminded me of the real dangers by telling me about a colleague who tragically died in a motorcycle accident. His stark warning made me reconsider, although I did end up with a less powerful bike later on, which fortunately was only fast enough to keep me relatively safe until it was stolen.
My dad also inadvertently taught me a tough lesson about my tennis skills in high school. After losing a match, he commented that I just wasn’t good enough, which was hard to hear given all the practice I put in. This criticism initially discouraged me, but it eventually made me face the reality that I wasn’t cut out for Division I tennis. Instead, I focused on academics, which paid off with better educational opportunities, even though it meant giving up on competing at a higher level in sports.
As harsh as it sounds, realizing we’re not always good enough can lead to a better understanding of our true strengths and where we should focus our efforts. This clarity is what helped me eventually improve my tennis game to compete at a higher level later in life.
Looking at business, if your model isn’t profitable after a few years, it might be time to accept that and consider other paths. While entrepreneurship is thrilling and can lead to success, like Tim Westergren of Pandora who faced numerous rejections before succeeding, it’s also filled with risks. The reality is that for every successful entrepreneur, many others fail without ever seeing significant returns.
Money, while not the sole contributor to happiness, does play a crucial role in reducing stress by providing security. It’s important to find a balance where earning doesn’t overshadow well-being. Making around $200,000 a year might be an ideal target for many, providing enough for comfort without the pitfalls of extreme wealth or poverty.
On the topic of hard work, while it’s essential, it’s also important to work smart and take care of yourself. You won’t achieve much if you burn out. Striving for better doesn’t always mean pushing yourself to the limit; sometimes it’s about making sure you’re pursuing what genuinely matters to you.
Finally, here are a few steps to consider for advancing in life:
1. Consider investing in emerging companies through accessible venture capital opportunities. Engaging with sectors like AI and fintech can be particularly promising.
2. Use tools like Personal Capital to manage and optimize your finances efficiently from one platform.
3. Think about starting your own online business to build wealth and achieve independence. It’s never been easier or cheaper to establish an online presence, and the potential returns on personal and financial investment are substantial.
Facing reality daily helps you understand where you stand and how you can genuinely improve your situation, be it in personal development, business, or financial management.
