Embracing a Sustainable Approach to Success Over the Long Haul
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Chapter 1: The Myth of Overnight Success
Have you ever embarked on a new project or hobby with the intention of generating a supplementary income? Many of us begin with enthusiasm, equipped with a solid strategy, eager to push forward, only to find ourselves disheartened by disappointing results. Whether launching a business or writing on platforms like Medium, the initial energy can be overwhelming, but the anticipated growth often doesn’t materialize.
This leads to a common scenario: you expend a great deal of effort but start feeling drained when the expected progress doesn’t follow. You push through, trying to maintain momentum, yet eventually, fatigue sets in, and the project begins to dwindle. What went awry?
The truth is, the notion of instant success is a fallacy. Every successful company you admire began as a startup, with founders striving to establish their vision. The visible success is merely the culmination of years of hard work, often referred to as a "10-year overnight success."
While it's essential to seize each day with vigor and a willingness to work hard, there's a crucial distinction between diligent effort and sheer overexertion.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Sustainable Hard Work
Hard work is essential; without it, your venture is unlikely to thrive. However, sustainability is key. Sacrificing sleep, personal enjoyment, or mental well-being in pursuit of your goals can lead to failure. The journey is inherently challenging, and believing that overcoming one obstacle will lead to ease is misguided. The reality is that managing a business or side project will always come with stress, so you should aim to maintain your efforts over the long term.
For example, during my time writing on Medium, it took six months to gain 70 followers. However, I have since averaged over 70 new followers each month for the past three months. While daily writing is beneficial, a more sustainable approach—writing twice a week for an entire year—will yield better results than intense daily efforts for just a month. Similarly, if you're running a startup, working seven days a week could lead to burnout. A more balanced approach of five days a week over a year will likely be more productive.
Section 1.2: Establishing Sustainable Habits
From the outset, it's vital to establish boundaries and cultivate sustainable habits. Each business or side project is unique, so adapt your strategies to suit your needs. Working late can be as taxing as early mornings, so prioritize getting adequate rest. Ensure you allocate time for meals, family, hobbies, and your health.
If you find your current routine unsustainable for a year or more, you should reconsider your approach. If you're feeling overwhelmed or contemplating giving up, these are signs that you may be setting yourself up for failure.
Chapter 2: Learning from Failure
The first video, "Why Being A Failure Is A Good Thing," explores the value of failure in the journey to success, emphasizing that setbacks can provide essential lessons for growth.
Chapter 3: Rethinking the Path to Success
In the second video, "Losing R32 000 in 1 Day & What HAPPENS when you RUSH SUCCESS," Cale Berghammer shares insights on the dangers of rushing success and the consequences of unsustainable practices.