I believe in intensity and I also believe in healthy breaks. Don’t buy into hustle culture. Execute ideas without putting them off. And when you rest, do something that makes you excited, optimistic and fuels you again to keep at it
I’m not using hustle culture as an excuse. I’m advocating for going hard and taking healthy breaks in between. There are parts of “work” we find more enjoyable than other parts. During “rest”, you can do those more enjoyable parts and return to “intense” later. That’s what I’m saying
Some of my days are filled with intensity like today. It was my morning run that charged me with positivity for the rest of the day. Other times, I need to boost my intensity to keep going. Nothing is free in life.
To me, intensity can be frantic energy or obsession but it can also be quiet intentionality. I think being more present (mindfulness/gratitude) naturally increases our intensity.
It's interesting that I am reading this just as I was in the middle of my second back-to-back article on Substack when I normally don't do back-to-back articles. The reason for the change is me trying to do more in less time like you have suggested in your previous articles.
So, I have started taking your advice and am looking forward to improving my results.
I sure believe in intensity. It makes a lot of difference. The difference between achieving extraordinary success and remaining in mediocrity often boils down to the level of intensity one brings to their goals. I was also reminded by this article that I do not have all the time I think I have. I got to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start acting.
Very true what you say about time. While someone with cancer may have been very clearly reminded of the fact we have limited time, we're all in the same boat. I'm guilty of thinking I have plenty of time myself. This article feels like the kick up the bum I needed!
I believe in intensity and I also believe in healthy breaks. Don’t buy into hustle culture. Execute ideas without putting them off. And when you rest, do something that makes you excited, optimistic and fuels you again to keep at it
If you saw this as hustle culture you missed the point. Hustle culture is just an excuse to be lazy and mediocre.
I’m not using hustle culture as an excuse. I’m advocating for going hard and taking healthy breaks in between. There are parts of “work” we find more enjoyable than other parts. During “rest”, you can do those more enjoyable parts and return to “intense” later. That’s what I’m saying
Yes, just like a lion. All out when chasing, but deep rest when relaxing.
Some of my days are filled with intensity like today. It was my morning run that charged me with positivity for the rest of the day. Other times, I need to boost my intensity to keep going. Nothing is free in life.
Exercise is a great primer for flow states.
Well said Denis.
Your cut-through-the-bullshit style is really growing on me Tim. Thanks for another kick in the arse.
Appreciate it Amy.
Brilliant!
I am sending this to my son right now. I wish someone had written this and showed it to me 20 years ago.
What goal is your son trying to achieve?
Creating the best stories and art for them.
And I want to help him get his art out to the world.
His site https://ramonsalinasart.com/
His shop https://ko-fi.com/ramonsalinasart/shop
To me, intensity can be frantic energy or obsession but it can also be quiet intentionality. I think being more present (mindfulness/gratitude) naturally increases our intensity.
Great thought
It's interesting that I am reading this just as I was in the middle of my second back-to-back article on Substack when I normally don't do back-to-back articles. The reason for the change is me trying to do more in less time like you have suggested in your previous articles.
So, I have started taking your advice and am looking forward to improving my results.
Nice one. How are you growing your Substack?
For now, I'm just focussing on writing more frequently, Tim. Yesterday, I published two articles and four today.
I would need more time to see if it helps.
I have never read something this much faster! This article itself is so intense. Thanks for sharing!
Why did it make you read fast?
The stories you told are interesting. Especially the stripe story which is inspiring, shedding light on how to influence people to buy a product.
Yes. 90% of what I am focused on for my business and how I am approaching it is different from what it was 4 months ago. That’s a huge mindshift
What changed Neil?
4/28 MM and 2 coaches met through them
Reading this was feeling it, feeling the intensity. Appreciate the post.
Writing is a transfer of energy from the writer to the reader. That's what this post was.
Please how can I apply intensity intensively? I really need this right now
All how-tos can be solved with google and ChatGPT.
I sure believe in intensity. It makes a lot of difference. The difference between achieving extraordinary success and remaining in mediocrity often boils down to the level of intensity one brings to their goals. I was also reminded by this article that I do not have all the time I think I have. I got to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start acting.
Agree with you, Stella!
Maintaining intensity over a long enough period of time to reap its benefits is very challenging though.
The best way is to start with what little you can, and then slowly increase intensity over time.
Once you build the momentum through routine, breaking the streak and giving up feels unnatural. It goes against your indentity.
F#ck yes! This was an AHA moment.
It's so easy as a solopreneur to get lost and comfortable.
To believe the voices in your head that tell you it's normal that it's hard; it's normal that it takes time.
Then I see successful people and they plain Do. Not. Take. No. for an answer.
And calling that intensity, giving it a name so we know what it is and go for it: brilliant.
A lesson I'm still learning: comfort is for losers.
Great read!
Very true what you say about time. While someone with cancer may have been very clearly reminded of the fact we have limited time, we're all in the same boat. I'm guilty of thinking I have plenty of time myself. This article feels like the kick up the bum I needed!
Such an awesome graphic and article! Thanks for sharing @Tim Denning 🌷