It’s hard to let go when you don’t get results now (like going viral). But thinking in decades makes you realize how little it will matter in 10 years.
Completely agree. But every time I hit publish there's a small part of me that wants to blow up. It's not the reason I write. But still... hard to let go
And obsession and intensity are key! Also, obsession doesn't have to be loud. You can appear quiet to the outside world - but feel fiercely obsessed inside with what you're doing/creating
Obsessions is what I got out of Thus Spoke Zarathustra from Nietzsche and his overall philosophy. His approach is to push obsession all the way to the end, immerse yourself in it to the point of madness. I found it quite intense.
But I see the point. I’d choose an intense life over a dull, boring one any day. It just brings some spice to life!
Creating thoughts which lead to absolute beliefs is more challenging than ever, when we are all exposed to a conscious stream of never-ending advice, fear and disempowerment! and did I mention FEAR! It's everywhere. I find it hugely rewarding when my clients understand and learn how to block out 'all the noise' and tune in to having self belief and confidence. Ah! the power of hypnosis - simple! Thanks for the writings Tim
Fear can be very useful in circumstances where it is holding you back from 'moving forward' (hate that term but here it is!) and you recognise it and have the skills to use it to your advantage. I'm much more concerned about the general 'fear' of everything. People are way more hesitant to take risks and challenge themselves. Wars, covid, the economy has really impacted many. This general fear is causing a dumbing down of humans! I follow your writings Tim because you are not in that category, which is refreshing and inspiring.
Probably go first. My motto (or one of them) is to just get on with it. By going first you’re on the way, no waiting in line, no comparing and second guessing yourself. Plus I’m a Gemini and hate standing still ):
Tim, you constantly talk about obsession. Once I read a story of yours where you say we need to obsess and wrote my version of it ('Money is a By-Product of Your Obsession'). It did very well on Medium.
I think a lot about financial markets as I go about my daily life. The ins and outs of stock exchanges fascinate me, given that so many things are hidden to the retail public. You have a riddle to solve every day if you want to stay on top of things. This makes it an obsession.
Interesting, Tim. I didn't know about this. My finance teacher recommended me to stay away from FX as it's the most complex financial instrument available to retail :)
I would say the think in decades as that is what I have been doing for several.
Now that I am where I am in my life, I feel the best quote would be:
“Some people are just meant to win.
Life will delay them. Life will confuse them. But they simply never stop. Eventually, exponential opportunities will collide with their experience.
Then, when they do succeed, it’s like it happened overnight. But there were many dark nights. And deep down…despite all the stress, pain, and insecurity, they knew. They always knew. They were inevitable.”
Loved this “Go first....First is far beyond second. And the world gives to those who initiate. Not wait for those who do so.” The world is screaming for such firsts.
I am the firstborn Tim, and strive to be the first in most things I do. Weary always of course, that "the first shall be last and the last first." Sometimes procrastination pays off, don't you think?
Ahem, was procrastinating....Sure can, especially if what I am about to write is going to go public-who won't right? Google is unforgiving like that. But then, are we still being creative when we first, "procrastinate" before being "creative"?! Isn't creativity supposed to be spontaneous? The fast of Thinking, Fast and Slow?
Time difference, this time Tim...Interesting take that. Could say, there's a fast and slow to creativity too, as to each aspect of our lives, really. What Self might see and know to be procrastination or fear, to Others, it's wisdom.
I'm a new social worker, and you've inspired me to use my talents to help people on a bigger scale than I ever thought I could possibly achieve before reading your piece. I'm currently trying to build an audience and help more people with my words and actions, so thanks again for lighting this fire in me. I just hope I'll have the reach and impact you're having right now.
A PhD takes about ten years of schooling and an obsession with a single research question while living in penury (no reward!)…but that commitment isn’t particularly valued or recognised in business. Still, it’s out there and it doesn’t really pay off beyond a whole lot of knowledge.
More good stuff Tim - one tweak for me on the Go First - most people dont realise that going with the first thing you get is the hallmark of intuitive action - the first thing you get is untainted by rational thinking which weaves in all those limiting beliefs. It happens in the flash so going with the first thing you get is a practise that anyone can start to cultivate.
God, we are so much alike! When I first found your writing online, I'll never forget it. At that moment, I created an Evernote account to save your blog post about what a scam the self-help industry is. That was before I discovered Substack, and I didn't think I had the time to create an account.
Anyway, we may have been separated at birth because the things you do and say are so in line with my train of thought it makes me crazy.
I just had to tell you this because this article stood out as something I would enjoy aspiring to.
Plus, the fact that you're a full-time internet content creator resonates with me. This is what I aspire to do.
Playing in decades is truly life changing.
It’s hard to let go when you don’t get results now (like going viral). But thinking in decades makes you realize how little it will matter in 10 years.
Great writing!! Really inspiring!
I think virality is overrated. We seek meaning more than fame. Would you agree Victor?
Completely agree. But every time I hit publish there's a small part of me that wants to blow up. It's not the reason I write. But still... hard to let go
What will blowing up give you thought?
My experience is one hit isn't enough.
I guess not much... Just quick dopamine boost that'd last a few hours. Then back to the grind.
You're spot on. Process over achivement all the way.
Brilliant ideas. I'm going to read this over and over.
Wow awesome Lisa. What part resonated the most?
Doers beat dreamers.
And obsession and intensity are key! Also, obsession doesn't have to be loud. You can appear quiet to the outside world - but feel fiercely obsessed inside with what you're doing/creating
You got the best lessons out of it for sure.
Obsessions is what I got out of Thus Spoke Zarathustra from Nietzsche and his overall philosophy. His approach is to push obsession all the way to the end, immerse yourself in it to the point of madness. I found it quite intense.
But I see the point. I’d choose an intense life over a dull, boring one any day. It just brings some spice to life!
Did Nietzsche come up with this obsession idea then?
I’m not sure. I’m assuming it’s been a process. It’s been a while since I read his stuff but I remember enjoying this playlist that was a good summary of his philosophy: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAYxecbGotUyqiNRXY_VrUvF952rLmyNl&si=hF3_FXpHStToUMu_
Sweet. I'll look into it Kenny.
Let me know what you think :)
Creating thoughts which lead to absolute beliefs is more challenging than ever, when we are all exposed to a conscious stream of never-ending advice, fear and disempowerment! and did I mention FEAR! It's everywhere. I find it hugely rewarding when my clients understand and learn how to block out 'all the noise' and tune in to having self belief and confidence. Ah! the power of hypnosis - simple! Thanks for the writings Tim
I find fear useful. It shows me the things I need to do but am trying to avoid. Can you relate Susan?
Fear can be very useful in circumstances where it is holding you back from 'moving forward' (hate that term but here it is!) and you recognise it and have the skills to use it to your advantage. I'm much more concerned about the general 'fear' of everything. People are way more hesitant to take risks and challenge themselves. Wars, covid, the economy has really impacted many. This general fear is causing a dumbing down of humans! I follow your writings Tim because you are not in that category, which is refreshing and inspiring.
I learned something from you Susan. Thank you!
I loved all of these! Flow state— Go first—Playing in decades. Thanks for this post! Really inspired me.
No probs. If you had to choose one best quote, what would it be?
Probably go first. My motto (or one of them) is to just get on with it. By going first you’re on the way, no waiting in line, no comparing and second guessing yourself. Plus I’m a Gemini and hate standing still ):
Yep, I say get on with the show all the time.
Failure happened. Now what? Move forward or stay stuck.
Tim, you constantly talk about obsession. Once I read a story of yours where you say we need to obsess and wrote my version of it ('Money is a By-Product of Your Obsession'). It did very well on Medium.
I read that article Denis and it was awesome. What would you say your obsession is?
Great question, Tim - it made me think.
I think a lot about financial markets as I go about my daily life. The ins and outs of stock exchanges fascinate me, given that so many things are hidden to the retail public. You have a riddle to solve every day if you want to stay on top of things. This makes it an obsession.
Love this. I've always been interested in how FX has no central point of price discovery like a stock exchange. Have you thought about this?
Interesting, Tim. I didn't know about this. My finance teacher recommended me to stay away from FX as it's the most complex financial instrument available to retail :)
They're not wrong Denis. FX is a great way to lose money. Crypto can be good at that too lol
Great article, Tim. Very interesting quotes. Love’em.
Thanks Tony. What's the best quote?
Thanks for asking, Tim.
I would say the think in decades as that is what I have been doing for several.
Now that I am where I am in my life, I feel the best quote would be:
“Some people are just meant to win.
Life will delay them. Life will confuse them. But they simply never stop. Eventually, exponential opportunities will collide with their experience.
Then, when they do succeed, it’s like it happened overnight. But there were many dark nights. And deep down…despite all the stress, pain, and insecurity, they knew. They always knew. They were inevitable.”
Because it is inevitable.
I love meeting people who think in decades. What did you build in the last 10 years?
Everything leans on everything else!
It sure does Nan!
Great piece. Inspiring, truthful and intriguing. Keep up the good work
Cheers Liam. Are you going to follow Zach's work?
Loved this “Go first....First is far beyond second. And the world gives to those who initiate. Not wait for those who do so.” The world is screaming for such firsts.
Are you someone Corwin who goes first?
I am the firstborn Tim, and strive to be the first in most things I do. Weary always of course, that "the first shall be last and the last first." Sometimes procrastination pays off, don't you think?
Procrastination is part of a creative process in my view. I procrastinate whenever I sit down to write. Can you relate?
Ahem, was procrastinating....Sure can, especially if what I am about to write is going to go public-who won't right? Google is unforgiving like that. But then, are we still being creative when we first, "procrastinate" before being "creative"?! Isn't creativity supposed to be spontaneous? The fast of Thinking, Fast and Slow?
It's a bit of both I reckon Corwin. Perhaps creativity varies based on the person?
Time difference, this time Tim...Interesting take that. Could say, there's a fast and slow to creativity too, as to each aspect of our lives, really. What Self might see and know to be procrastination or fear, to Others, it's wisdom.
Great piece and very inspirational. You've lit a fire in me and now I want to light the way for other people. Thank you for your words.
No probs Joseph. What's your next step?
I'm a new social worker, and you've inspired me to use my talents to help people on a bigger scale than I ever thought I could possibly achieve before reading your piece. I'm currently trying to build an audience and help more people with my words and actions, so thanks again for lighting this fire in me. I just hope I'll have the reach and impact you're having right now.
What sort of social work do you do?
I work in an emergency room in a large hospital in the US.
Wow that's full on. I know it sounds cliche but I feel like medical professionals are the real heroes, not the reality tv stars or the billionaires.
A PhD takes about ten years of schooling and an obsession with a single research question while living in penury (no reward!)…but that commitment isn’t particularly valued or recognised in business. Still, it’s out there and it doesn’t really pay off beyond a whole lot of knowledge.
im glad this article introduced me to zach
More good stuff Tim - one tweak for me on the Go First - most people dont realise that going with the first thing you get is the hallmark of intuitive action - the first thing you get is untainted by rational thinking which weaves in all those limiting beliefs. It happens in the flash so going with the first thing you get is a practise that anyone can start to cultivate.
God, we are so much alike! When I first found your writing online, I'll never forget it. At that moment, I created an Evernote account to save your blog post about what a scam the self-help industry is. That was before I discovered Substack, and I didn't think I had the time to create an account.
Anyway, we may have been separated at birth because the things you do and say are so in line with my train of thought it makes me crazy.
I just had to tell you this because this article stood out as something I would enjoy aspiring to.
Plus, the fact that you're a full-time internet content creator resonates with me. This is what I aspire to do.
wow, this is truely inspiring Tim, great content!