"Choose your biggest fear and punch it in the face" My biggest fear is spiders so as much as I love the idea of punching them in the face, I don't know how practical it is. lol
1. I was the skinniest boy on the school basketball team. No bragging but after two years of grinding, getting shouted at by the coach (she loved me haha), and getting abused on the court I rose the captain of the high-school team. I simply showed up at every practice and gave my best, even my best was my teammates' worst. I learned at the age of 12 it takes me two years to see real growth, anywhere.
2. I write in my success journal every day. I jot down what I've achieved on a given day and what good things people have said about me. I re-read what I've done once a month. That helped me build self-confidence too.
Yes, I would agree. As a former skinny f**k, you get bullied by boys, ignored by girls, and called a crackhead - with people wondering if your parents feed you.
that's impressive, denis! your story about the basketball team is a great example of perseverance. showing up consistently, even when it's tough, really pays off. it's inspiring how you turned challenges into growth. thanks for sharing these personal insights :)
I absolutely love the one hour rule. I recently started devoting two hours a day (one hour with my morning coffee, 30 minutes at lunch, and 30 minutes after my day job) to the side hustle I’m trying to grow. I’m only a few weeks in, but I already see small improvements. Can’t wait to see what happens in a year.
erin, agree with you-dedicating specific times each day to your side hustle is a smart move. it’s amazing how small, consistent efforts can lead to big changes over time. keep at it, and you'll likely see even more progress.
looking forward to hearing about your success in a year!
Thank you for the kind words, Sol! I’ve seen enough upswing to inspire me to keep at it, so hopefully that momentum is entrenched as habit when the inevitable plateau happens. 🙃
That's it! I think you got it, Erin - "momentum" is the key word. And "consistency" is what builds up that momentum. It's like moving a gigantic rock to the peak of a mountain (consistency - the hardest part). And then a little more push...momentum then gets the rock to the other side EVEN if you don't want it. :)
May all your dreams come true - wish you only the very best! 👊
So many people feel the need to get recognition or praise for their progress. So they spend more time seeking approval than they do getting things done.
Switching the mindset to focus inward on growth and playing the long game to win big is definitely the way forward.
And they are the people who take the criticism very seriously and quit and even never restart. One who seek appreciations from the other people is eventually hurt by the same people. They live to win others, and even they forget to live for themselves.
Graeme - Very well said. People spend a lifetime stuck in this rut - trying to seek validation from others. Their "need" to "feel validated" hijacks them from their true purpose. The sad part is most people don't know they're stuck here.
The story about Vitalik Buterin turning his frustration with centralized tech into something as Ethereum is incredibly inspiring (not that I would do the same). It’s a proof to how our setbacks can fuel our greatest achievements. I’m definitely going to take your advice to heart, especially about betting on myself and dedicating an hour a day to my side hustle. Thanks for the motivation!
I devoted an hour a day every weekday to writing starting in November 2022. I write in a community sprint which helps me stay accountable, almost every weekday at 4pm. Since then that time slot, and the hour or so before and after if I’m in a groove, has become sacrosanct. I get so much done. And at 5pm, Coach Laura says, “well done you, you got today in the bag.” I take time off for vacations now, because I know I will get back into that 4pm every weekday rhythm quickly now.
My existence on Substack is an effort to overcome my fear of self publishing. The next big leap would be making YouTube videos. It gets easier with every post!
As always your articles hit a deep pain point Tim.
My biggest fear is failing to become an entrepreneur and business owner, and have to deal with money issues (big family, big responsibility). I'm at the top of my comfort zone right now professionally and financially.
The crazy part is that the biggest reason I'm working towards my fears is because the days I don't tackle them, I'm irritable, angry at my family and the whole world (including myself), and I don't even know why.
Deep inside I think we all ought to face our biggest fears or live a miserable life.
I've had an online business before, and those were the 10 most glorious years of my career. I'm afraid that I won't be able to start again from zero and replicate it.
Yuan - "Fear" has no existential reality - it exists only in our minds.
What do we fear? A traumatic past or an imaginary future that is not yet a reality - both stem from our own thoughts.
A thought is just that - a thought. But it has the power to rule our emotions. If you plant happy thoughts, you feel happy. If you plant fearful thoughts, you feel afraid.
You don't have to face your fears - just change your thoughts.
Every time you feel fearful about your future business, visualize the ten glorious years of your career you talked about - all your success and accomplishments. It'll change your feeling. It'll boost your morale and confidence. It'll shift you from fear to joy.
Once you're joyful, make plans for the future - take it one day at a time.
Stay grounded in this present moment - there's no fear here and now.
You got this 👊
Wish you only the very best for a glorious future ⚡️
My favorite is to turn what caused you so much pain and turn it into inspiration. Like you, I was forced out of a job by people I thought were friends. That was in 2020 and the pain was unbearable but ultimately led me to write online. Now my “Changing Lives” Substack (wendigordon.substack.com), ebooks on Gumroad and Medium articles are helping people struggling with mental health issues and other life challenges.
And your other tips, especially about writing first thing in the morning, being curious, and reading books instead of watching TV are spot on, too.
Do not make decisions in a high energy state. The most common reason people become unhappy is because they agree to take on more obligations than they can (or need to) handle. Making almost literally any decision should happen once you’ve assessed your feelings towards it during two states of mind: energetic & enthusiastic, and tired & unmotivated. That is how you determine how you truly feel about making any commitment.
I love your shopping list message. Whilst my shopping list is certainly not in control these days I do need to let go of a good amount of things I've already bought. Let go of things I now feel are keeping me stuck. Thanks.
Write every morning; that's what I need to do.
Such a valuable set of propositions, thank you.
It may be difficult to punch a spider in the face, but I'll give it a go. All joking aside there's some great advice here.
Where's that saying from Fiona?
"Choose your biggest fear and punch it in the face" My biggest fear is spiders so as much as I love the idea of punching them in the face, I don't know how practical it is. lol
what if you just punch them into oblivion? :o
Oh the idea of that just warms my heart
Hey Tim, two things resonated (I endorse them):
1. I was the skinniest boy on the school basketball team. No bragging but after two years of grinding, getting shouted at by the coach (she loved me haha), and getting abused on the court I rose the captain of the high-school team. I simply showed up at every practice and gave my best, even my best was my teammates' worst. I learned at the age of 12 it takes me two years to see real growth, anywhere.
2. I write in my success journal every day. I jot down what I've achieved on a given day and what good things people have said about me. I re-read what I've done once a month. That helped me build self-confidence too.
Being obese gets a lot of attention but the whole skinny thing is ignored. Would you agree Denies?
Yes, I would agree. As a former skinny f**k, you get bullied by boys, ignored by girls, and called a crackhead - with people wondering if your parents feed you.
I agree, Tim.
that's impressive, denis! your story about the basketball team is a great example of perseverance. showing up consistently, even when it's tough, really pays off. it's inspiring how you turned challenges into growth. thanks for sharing these personal insights :)
Thanks, Sol. I’m glad for that lesson at a young age. It’s helped me throughout my life.
I absolutely love the one hour rule. I recently started devoting two hours a day (one hour with my morning coffee, 30 minutes at lunch, and 30 minutes after my day job) to the side hustle I’m trying to grow. I’m only a few weeks in, but I already see small improvements. Can’t wait to see what happens in a year.
erin, agree with you-dedicating specific times each day to your side hustle is a smart move. it’s amazing how small, consistent efforts can lead to big changes over time. keep at it, and you'll likely see even more progress.
looking forward to hearing about your success in a year!
Thank you for the kind words, Sol! I’ve seen enough upswing to inspire me to keep at it, so hopefully that momentum is entrenched as habit when the inevitable plateau happens. 🙃
That's it! I think you got it, Erin - "momentum" is the key word. And "consistency" is what builds up that momentum. It's like moving a gigantic rock to the peak of a mountain (consistency - the hardest part). And then a little more push...momentum then gets the rock to the other side EVEN if you don't want it. :)
May all your dreams come true - wish you only the very best! 👊
Thank you Guru! 🙏
So many people feel the need to get recognition or praise for their progress. So they spend more time seeking approval than they do getting things done.
Switching the mindset to focus inward on growth and playing the long game to win big is definitely the way forward.
And they are the people who take the criticism very seriously and quit and even never restart. One who seek appreciations from the other people is eventually hurt by the same people. They live to win others, and even they forget to live for themselves.
Graeme - Very well said. People spend a lifetime stuck in this rut - trying to seek validation from others. Their "need" to "feel validated" hijacks them from their true purpose. The sad part is most people don't know they're stuck here.
The story about Vitalik Buterin turning his frustration with centralized tech into something as Ethereum is incredibly inspiring (not that I would do the same). It’s a proof to how our setbacks can fuel our greatest achievements. I’m definitely going to take your advice to heart, especially about betting on myself and dedicating an hour a day to my side hustle. Thanks for the motivation!
You're inspiring. In fact, you've inspired me into starting a writing habit that I hope will make me some money.
I devoted an hour a day every weekday to writing starting in November 2022. I write in a community sprint which helps me stay accountable, almost every weekday at 4pm. Since then that time slot, and the hour or so before and after if I’m in a groove, has become sacrosanct. I get so much done. And at 5pm, Coach Laura says, “well done you, you got today in the bag.” I take time off for vacations now, because I know I will get back into that 4pm every weekday rhythm quickly now.
Now to tackle your other suggestions!
Is one of them eating cake?
Because you can eat cake quietly, and millions know how much it can change your life 😛🍰
My existence on Substack is an effort to overcome my fear of self publishing. The next big leap would be making YouTube videos. It gets easier with every post!
As always your articles hit a deep pain point Tim.
My biggest fear is failing to become an entrepreneur and business owner, and have to deal with money issues (big family, big responsibility). I'm at the top of my comfort zone right now professionally and financially.
The crazy part is that the biggest reason I'm working towards my fears is because the days I don't tackle them, I'm irritable, angry at my family and the whole world (including myself), and I don't even know why.
Deep inside I think we all ought to face our biggest fears or live a miserable life.
I've had an online business before, and those were the 10 most glorious years of my career. I'm afraid that I won't be able to start again from zero and replicate it.
Yuan - "Fear" has no existential reality - it exists only in our minds.
What do we fear? A traumatic past or an imaginary future that is not yet a reality - both stem from our own thoughts.
A thought is just that - a thought. But it has the power to rule our emotions. If you plant happy thoughts, you feel happy. If you plant fearful thoughts, you feel afraid.
You don't have to face your fears - just change your thoughts.
Every time you feel fearful about your future business, visualize the ten glorious years of your career you talked about - all your success and accomplishments. It'll change your feeling. It'll boost your morale and confidence. It'll shift you from fear to joy.
Once you're joyful, make plans for the future - take it one day at a time.
Stay grounded in this present moment - there's no fear here and now.
You got this 👊
Wish you only the very best for a glorious future ⚡️
My favorite is to turn what caused you so much pain and turn it into inspiration. Like you, I was forced out of a job by people I thought were friends. That was in 2020 and the pain was unbearable but ultimately led me to write online. Now my “Changing Lives” Substack (wendigordon.substack.com), ebooks on Gumroad and Medium articles are helping people struggling with mental health issues and other life challenges.
And your other tips, especially about writing first thing in the morning, being curious, and reading books instead of watching TV are spot on, too.
You're such an inspiration, Wendi! Way to go!
Do not make decisions in a high energy state. The most common reason people become unhappy is because they agree to take on more obligations than they can (or need to) handle. Making almost literally any decision should happen once you’ve assessed your feelings towards it during two states of mind: energetic & enthusiastic, and tired & unmotivated. That is how you determine how you truly feel about making any commitment.
Another badassery piece of content kissing and kicking readers and scrollers alike Timbo.
Its like an Australian downpour---some readers will feel the raindrops, others will just get wet.
Get wet until it makes sense to do something for yourself and invest the time, money,and effort in yourself.
We’re beginning to enjoy the pleasant audible too---makes it nice and personable and “in your face.”
Bravo!
Hi Tim, there are so many reminders here for me.
I'm betting on myself every day.
I love your shopping list message. Whilst my shopping list is certainly not in control these days I do need to let go of a good amount of things I've already bought. Let go of things I now feel are keeping me stuck. Thanks.
I punch the fear in the face because that's the best way to grow.
But my default state is - "Don't Worry, Be happy"