It took me awhile to figure out why a lot of the writers I met on Medium always bitched about you, Tim Denning. This piece does a good job of illuminating why that is. I agree with you and Manson. Fuck being normal. That is all. Enjoy your day.
Adam, I find the people that dislike me on Medium is a small number. The main reason is because when you have success they get jealous. I take no notice of it. Love and kindness for everyone, especially the haters.
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. I just finished my morning pages and a lot of what you put in this article were thoughts in my head this morning.
This really hit home: “You have to know what doesn’t work before finding out what does. And only action can deliver that wisdom.”
Hey Tim, the thing about certainty hit home. I was writing a story yesterday where I recall being the skinniest and weakest boy on the school basketball team. Getting pushed around by teammates and verbally abused by the coach made me step out of the comfort zone and start working out on practice-free days. I was part of the regular team a year later and captain of the school team two years later. I try not to overthink now at 37 but still catch myself overanalysing.
I absolutely LOVE this Tim! At 63, after the pandemic I quit my ‘safe’ job and began crafting the life of my dreams! It is never too late -just about to fly this morning to West Africa to spend 2 months in the sun and devote my time to writing and using my life time professional expertise developing some additional pathways for Gambian youths! I will share your post with them, if I may (I may need to paraphrase a bit). Thanks so much!
I have worked for a long time in Occupational Health, how do working conditions influence the health of workers. My conclusion is that even toxic substances, etc. do not affect health like monotony at work.
As long as there is a new twist in the storyline, there cannot be any space for monotony. Divyanka Tripathi
Very well written the part that stuck with me the most was #9. Being a trader in the stock market is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I have become a more rational trader because, my losses are starting to accumulate. I have tried several different trading groups and have gained a little bit of trading experience from each. I'm currently at the point in trading and im questioning if it makes sense to keep going. I'm making a little bit of money here and there but, I feel like my losses are significantly more than what I'm gaining. It kind of makes me feel like I'm gambling on the lottery.
Samuel, it's key to measure everything including your wins and losses. As a former banker, I hate trading. It's a fast way to lose a lot of money and 99% of us don't have superior information to beat the market.
The biggest thing I've learned from my mentor is timing in the options market is everything. I'm trading options. The funny thing that happens is I'm extremely successfully when I paper trade. When I use my real money is where I lose.
I think the secret to all of this is also found in the work of Viktor Frankl and Maya Angelou.
How we find meaning in our own life and how we define the ‘success’ that we want to strive towards. In our own terms. That’s the great rebellion. Having the audacity to ask yourself what you want your life to be able and then the courage to follow it.
Their work is built in the clarity pillar of practicing a Be Braver mindset, because to do anything which isn’t ‘average’, to strive for 1% better - we have to have clarity about who we are becoming and why it matters for us?
If we have to risk some discomfort, which we will, to grow, stretch or learn - we have to know why we are doing it?
I could spend all day responding to each point in this article and how it fits with Be Braver and my courage research. So it’s definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
You made me laugh: ... "But I was just full of fear (and beer)." I did not expect the 2nd part but it brought home the point.
You made feel like you are speaking to me ... I am on a 1% better each day (or most days:-) because of your teaching.
You paint a clear picture of what normal/average looks like, and why we should care. AND be different!
Your article is a clear roadmap to freedom and being extraordinary ✨
Your last point is so true ...
We have absolutely NO idea what is going to happen in the next moment of our lives..
Yesterday, I heard from a family member that their colleague was on a retreat - having the time of their life - swimming in a beautiful ocean. A random rogue wave hit them and caused a catastrophic injury. They passed away.
Our studies were before the 1990s, after the fall of the 'totalitarian system' and the privatization of the national economy, private business did not show the raw materials, often dangerous for the health of the workers, and our work became difficult.
I am now a pensioner, an activist of elderly women, this is for reasons
Albanian older women worked hard, 6 days a week and on Sundays, they were forced to do unpaid volunteering. Their salaries were below poverty margins, whereas the working and living conditions were very basic and difficult!
It is difficult to find published documentation of our work today.
I have an article written as an activist:
Article March 30, 1994. RD Newspaper
"Appeal to improve working conditions in the clothing industry, 1994 48% headache, 16% insomnia, etc."
The garment industry is a sector of the economy where women work mainly. The employees are subjected to the action of harmful factors such as the forced position, the impact of dust, noise, vibrations, inadequate lighting, etc. Complaints of workers are distinguished by polymorphism, such as headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, insomnia, thyroid glands, varicose veins, myopia, etc. The greatest concerns were observed in those over 30 years old and with more than 10 years of work experience. It was found that due to working conditions, schedules, diet, and social economic conditions, the appearance of heart diseases, diabetes, premature fatigue, etc.
It took me awhile to figure out why a lot of the writers I met on Medium always bitched about you, Tim Denning. This piece does a good job of illuminating why that is. I agree with you and Manson. Fuck being normal. That is all. Enjoy your day.
Adam, I find the people that dislike me on Medium is a small number. The main reason is because when you have success they get jealous. I take no notice of it. Love and kindness for everyone, especially the haters.
Some would say hate is just another form of love.
Agree 100%. Love what you do, man.
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. I just finished my morning pages and a lot of what you put in this article were thoughts in my head this morning.
This really hit home: “You have to know what doesn’t work before finding out what does. And only action can deliver that wisdom.”
That is the push I needed today. Thanks.
Great to hear Corrie.
Hey Tim, the thing about certainty hit home. I was writing a story yesterday where I recall being the skinniest and weakest boy on the school basketball team. Getting pushed around by teammates and verbally abused by the coach made me step out of the comfort zone and start working out on practice-free days. I was part of the regular team a year later and captain of the school team two years later. I try not to overthink now at 37 but still catch myself overanalysing.
What a transformation Denis. I love being the underdog.
I absolutely LOVE this Tim! At 63, after the pandemic I quit my ‘safe’ job and began crafting the life of my dreams! It is never too late -just about to fly this morning to West Africa to spend 2 months in the sun and devote my time to writing and using my life time professional expertise developing some additional pathways for Gambian youths! I will share your post with them, if I may (I may need to paraphrase a bit). Thanks so much!
Sounds awesome Diana and please share. Where will you write?
Hi Tim, as a newby, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind support! I will be writing here on Substack and aiming to post every Friday.
I have worked for a long time in Occupational Health, how do working conditions influence the health of workers. My conclusion is that even toxic substances, etc. do not affect health like monotony at work.
As long as there is a new twist in the storyline, there cannot be any space for monotony. Divyanka Tripathi
This is one of the most insightful comments I've read in the last year. Is there any research to support this finding?
Very well written the part that stuck with me the most was #9. Being a trader in the stock market is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I have become a more rational trader because, my losses are starting to accumulate. I have tried several different trading groups and have gained a little bit of trading experience from each. I'm currently at the point in trading and im questioning if it makes sense to keep going. I'm making a little bit of money here and there but, I feel like my losses are significantly more than what I'm gaining. It kind of makes me feel like I'm gambling on the lottery.
Samuel, it's key to measure everything including your wins and losses. As a former banker, I hate trading. It's a fast way to lose a lot of money and 99% of us don't have superior information to beat the market.
What asset are you trading? Why do you do it?
The biggest thing I've learned from my mentor is timing in the options market is everything. I'm trading options. The funny thing that happens is I'm extremely successfully when I paper trade. When I use my real money is where I lose.
Such a great story again!
I hope it wakes up a lot of people, just like it woke me up a few years ago when I read "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck"
Before I always thought I'm normal and I have to settle and be comfortable with what I have: and I felt miserable.
I changed my mindset and I have high expectations now, and I'm certain I will get there.
I'm definitely not giving up!
It was a game changing book for me as well Karina. Did you know Mark Manson write it as a joke?
This is definitely your best article.
Also bonus points for avoiding heavy-handed pushing the paid services.
Wow thanks Adrian. Why is it the best article of mine?
And what do you mean by avoiding heavy-handed pushing of paid services?
This whole thing is pure gold!
Thanks Lisa that means a lot coming from you.
Hitting creative blocks until I read this!! So much gold in this post. Excited to read more Tim.
Break the rules with a smile on your face!!!
"Program your mind, or society will do it for you"
so true.
"Every few weeks, I do a write-up on a polarizing figure I don’t like."
This explains the Tai Lopez article I suppose. I was surprised you wrote about Tai Lopez someone who's become some sort of meme.
"The media programmed me to hate Elon Musk, but when I did my own research"
Yeah I don't know howmany people I've disliked just to like them after hearing them directly and unbiased.
This is defo among my most loved articles of urs. Will make sure to re-read this.
I think the secret to all of this is also found in the work of Viktor Frankl and Maya Angelou.
How we find meaning in our own life and how we define the ‘success’ that we want to strive towards. In our own terms. That’s the great rebellion. Having the audacity to ask yourself what you want your life to be able and then the courage to follow it.
Their work is built in the clarity pillar of practicing a Be Braver mindset, because to do anything which isn’t ‘average’, to strive for 1% better - we have to have clarity about who we are becoming and why it matters for us?
If we have to risk some discomfort, which we will, to grow, stretch or learn - we have to know why we are doing it?
I could spend all day responding to each point in this article and how it fits with Be Braver and my courage research. So it’s definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me
Just love this article Tim 💕
You made me laugh: ... "But I was just full of fear (and beer)." I did not expect the 2nd part but it brought home the point.
You made feel like you are speaking to me ... I am on a 1% better each day (or most days:-) because of your teaching.
You paint a clear picture of what normal/average looks like, and why we should care. AND be different!
Your article is a clear roadmap to freedom and being extraordinary ✨
Your last point is so true ...
We have absolutely NO idea what is going to happen in the next moment of our lives..
Yesterday, I heard from a family member that their colleague was on a retreat - having the time of their life - swimming in a beautiful ocean. A random rogue wave hit them and caused a catastrophic injury. They passed away.
There is no time like the present moment.
Keep being awesome!
Thank you 🙏
Interesting article, though I can't help but see the flaw in "Average people get paid the worst" 🤔
Our studies were before the 1990s, after the fall of the 'totalitarian system' and the privatization of the national economy, private business did not show the raw materials, often dangerous for the health of the workers, and our work became difficult.
I am now a pensioner, an activist of elderly women, this is for reasons
Albanian older women worked hard, 6 days a week and on Sundays, they were forced to do unpaid volunteering. Their salaries were below poverty margins, whereas the working and living conditions were very basic and difficult!
It is difficult to find published documentation of our work today.
I have an article written as an activist:
Article March 30, 1994. RD Newspaper
"Appeal to improve working conditions in the clothing industry, 1994 48% headache, 16% insomnia, etc."
The garment industry is a sector of the economy where women work mainly. The employees are subjected to the action of harmful factors such as the forced position, the impact of dust, noise, vibrations, inadequate lighting, etc. Complaints of workers are distinguished by polymorphism, such as headache, neck pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, insomnia, thyroid glands, varicose veins, myopia, etc. The greatest concerns were observed in those over 30 years old and with more than 10 years of work experience. It was found that due to working conditions, schedules, diet, and social economic conditions, the appearance of heart diseases, diabetes, premature fatigue, etc.
https://eurag-europe.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AlbaniaAvril23.pdf
Bedros Keuilian always says "average is the enemy" and Dave Ramsey often tells people to be weird. This article nails those sentiments.
The average person is overweight, prediabetic, addicted to screens, anxious or depressed, and broke and in credit card debt.
Average is definitely something to escape.