As we bid farewell to the old and usher in the new, the dawn of a new year isn't just about turning the calendar; it's about bidding adieu to our past selves—the mistakes, the lost battles—while eagerly anticipating a fresh start.
For those seeking to rise above and break into the top percentile, this is the roadmap you've been looking for. I'm not here to preach wisdom, only to share my journey. Why listen? Perhaps because, in 2023, I found myself trapped in a four-figure job that left me drowning in discontent.
Waking up had become a robotic routine, work lacked impact, sleep was sacrificed, and time with loved ones was a luxury. Enough was enough. And that moment of realization birthed a series of decisions that I'm eternally grateful for today.
Leaving that job led to a brief unemployment phase, followed by landing my dream five-figure position. I ventured into my Notion and Productivity business, expanded my social presence, networked globally, and established a passive income stream alongside my day job—all by adopting a set of habits, models, and mindsets.
The simplest yet most profound lesson was this: To surpass the 99%, one must be willing to do what the majority isn't.
Each morning, the question echoed: "Does this bring comfort or breed complacency?" More often than not, comfort masked my true potential.
For instance, clinging to a job that paid the bills seemed easy. Yet, it was only when I challenged that status quo that better opportunities emerged. Taking it a step further, I ventured into entrepreneurship, bootstrapping my journey. And thus, the first habit emerged:
1. Seek Discomfort
It sounds cliché, yet it's the ultimate game-changer. Comfort zones limit potential. To grow, challenge the status quo—take on more, expand horizons, and shatter boundaries. Time constraints? Make time. Convert leisure hours into productive ones, relinquish materialistic indulgences.
"Isn't that robotic?" Not at all. It's about making choices different from the majority. In their 20s, many revel in extravagance, parties, and spending sprees. Nothing wrong with that; it's a choice.
Choices today define tomorrow's path. Sacrifices today pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Embracing this hustle fosters resilience, adaptability, and fearlessness in facing challenges.
2. Focus on What Matters
It's not mere focus, it's about honing in on the essentials. Invest time in activities fostering joy, health, and growth. Craft a lifestyle that nurtures ultimate betterment.
Podcasts or books, yoga or exercise—align activities with your authentic self. Life's too short to engage in energy-draining pursuits. Redirect focus where it truly matters.
3. Take Responsibility for Your Life
Success stems from accountability. Shape your destiny; no one else will. Acknowledge flaws, learn from mistakes, and shun excuses. It's your game; make each moment count.
4. Let Go of External Validation
Relying on external validation cultivates a never-ending chase. Forge ahead driven by internal acknowledgment. Congrats or silence—move forward unfazed.
5. Develop Resilience
Bouncing back from setbacks defines growth. Failures aren’t defeats but experiments. Embrace setbacks, emerge stronger. On days lacking motivation, power through to emerge resilient.
6. Focus on Your Habits
Discovering one's calling often emerges unexpectedly. Combine skills and passions to find your path. Harness strengths that align with market demand, and embrace the journey.
7. Grow Your Network
Mystery and solitude only go so far. Engage with a community, exchange experiences, boost each other. Geography isn’t a barrier; connect globally. Surround yourself with support.
Embrace the Journey
Life isn’t about set goals but the thrill of growth. Embrace curiosity, steer away from predefined paths, and find joy in exploration.
In conclusion, as David McCullough Jr. aptly said, "Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world." Strive for personal advancement daily, shedding fear and reaching for success. Your journey to a better self begins now.
