NoSchool is basically everything they don’t teach you in school
It’s all free. I’ll be sharing my experiences with you through different essays. Enjoy, and I hope you figure out how to tackle anything that comes your way.
Every day, I’ll cover a new topic, a moment, or a solution to a problem. My goal is for you to learn and succeed, even when no one else believes in you. The main thing is that you start believing in yourself.
One thing that really helps me when I’m learning is listening to music. Maybe it’ll help you too: You Welcome 😊
Most people probably see me as an extrovert, a risk-taker, and maybe even a confident person. But trust me, I’m always asking myself a million questions: Should I do this? Or that? Or maybe something else?
I’ve realized that the most important question to ask when starting something new is simple: Why am I doing this? Am I doing it for the right reasons? It’s important to think about that. You can always try, see if you like it, and adjust, but asking yourself “why” at the start helps you focus.
So, why don’t we start right away sometimes? Often, it comes down to fear
Fear of losing, failing, or being judged. But the truth is, we’re always going to feel fear in some way, whether it’s a new job, love, or any big decision.
Here’s the thing: you’ve already taken so many actions in life. But sometimes, the risk feels bigger than it is. The fear of skydiving? It’s really the same as that nervousness before a job interview. It’s not the action itself that scares you; it’s the uncertainty about what comes after. Will you succeed or fail? And honestly, sometimes you’ll win, sometimes you’ll lose—and that’s okay.
Before you start anything, ask yourself: What will I learn from this? If it feels right, and it sounds like something you’d enjoy, then go for it. Life is about experiences, and if you’re doing something for the right reasons, that’s all that matters.
2. Trust: The Most Valuable Asset for Success
Every day, I see so many ideas, people wanting to build something, get into certain circles, or chase their dreams without asking anyone for advice or questioning if things will turn out alright. I want to share my thoughts on trust because trust is one of the most powerful assets, especially in business, but also in all relationships.
Imagine giving your partner $1 million for ten years without touching a penny, even if they’re in a bad financial situation. Or following someone down a risky path, not knowing if the outcome will be good or bad. Or trusting someone on the internet who tells you that anything is possible, and you believe them.
In reality, all our actions, partnerships, relationships, and even how we spend our money or time are built on trust whether it’s our trust in someone else or someone’s trust in us.
But here’s the thing about trust: it can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you use it and who you place your trust in.
Today, I want to dive into how trust is built and how we can create trust with others. We’re human, and humans need each other to grow, but not everyone has the best intentions. Trusting someone, or being trusted, is hard. Sometimes, we need to make decisions quickly and put our trust in people, even when it’s uncertain. But trust can be built over time, and it can become the foundation for stronger partnerships, projects, and relationships.
Building Trust
The first thing to understand about trust is that it often comes from similarities. I’m an entrepreneur, so I naturally connect with other entrepreneurs. But even within that group, there are people I don’t relate to and don’t trust because their values, ethics, or mindset don’t align with mine. Trust isn’t about money it’s about actions. I’m sure you’ve heard this before from your partner or someone close to you, but it’s true.
Trust is so precious that it’s hard to measure, but it can be built through consistent actions.
Trust Comes from Similarities and Shared Values
We often trust people because we see similarities between them and ourselves. You trust yourself, so why would you betray someone who feels like an extension of you? But here’s where people go wrong just because someone looks like you or shares your values doesn’t guarantee they’re trustworthy. Trust takes time to build, and once you have it, it’s invaluable.
Trust is built on patience, shared values, mindset, environment, past actions, visions, and goals. It’s not about money, appearances, or confidence. Trust isn’t instant, and it’s not about envying what someone has or wanting to be like them.
Trust and First Impressions
Trust isn’t something you hand out right away. When you meet someone for the first time, if they don’t leave a good impression, it’s hard to build trust with them. When meeting new people, it’s smart to stay low-key and reveal yourself little by little. See if there’s a connection. For men, building trust with other men is usually easy, but for women, it’s often more complicated. Women can be slower to trust each other, but once they do, that trust can be even stronger than a bromance.
Shared Values
Sharing the same values helps build trust because it creates a common ground. You have the same interests, and that makes your brain want to keep this person close. But what’s interesting is that not liking the same things can push you to grow even faster. It forces you to expand your perspective and trust others to fill the gaps.
Mindset
You naturally gravitate toward people with the same mindset. Hard workers stick with hard workers. Entrepreneurs bond with other entrepreneurs. But beyond that, people with different perspectives on solving problems can offer fresh insights. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge your thinking can strengthen trust because you’re getting multiple viewpoints on a situation.
Environment
Your environment says a lot about you, and it affects how people judge your trustworthiness. Whether you’re the most successful entrepreneur or an artist, the people around you influence how others perceive you. For example, if you’re always around positive, hardworking people, others will trust you more. But if you hang around negative or shady individuals, people will be wary of trusting you, and that can impact you in the long run.
Past Actions
Trust is built on experience. We don’t trust a random person to fix our house; we hire an expert. Likewise, people trust you based on your past actions. If you’ve consistently failed in business, or if your personal relationships have been full of drama, it’s harder for others to trust you. Your past shapes how people see you today, so it’s important to be mindful of your actions.
Vision and Goals
Trust is a long-term game. You don’t trust someone for short-term results you trust them for the long haul. People are naturally drawn to those who know what they want and have a clear direction. When someone has a solid vision, it builds trust because it shows they’re not just wandering aimlessly. We crave simplicity and clarity, and when you’re clear about your goals, people will follow you.
Trust as a Tool
Trust is an incredibly powerful tool, but it only works when you use it with people who share your values and goals. If not, it’ll never work. One way or another, humans have a way of showing whether they can be trusted. So, be authentic and true to yourself. We trust people for who they really are, not who they pretend to be. There are 7 billion people on this planet, and you’ll always find someone you can trust. Build trust carefully, because it’s one of the few things in life you can rely on.
3. Good and Bad: A Matter of Perception
I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of good and bad, and how we actually define them. What’s “good” and what’s “bad” often depends on the environment we grow up in, the goals we set, and the people we surround ourselves with. But even more than that, it’s shaped by our instincts, our values, and the choices we make, especially when we’re under pressure.
From a young age, we have some basic understanding of right and wrong. It’s built into us, psychologically and emotionally. Empathy, for example, helps us sense when someone is suffering, either because of our actions or the actions of others. But what’s really interesting is how this idea of good and bad can change depending on the situation.
In entrepreneurship, I’ve had experiences that made me question whether something is truly “good” or “bad.” One story that stands out is about a business partner I worked with in my early 20s. This guy was probably the most manipulative person I’ve ever met, but also one of the smartest. I knew from the start that working with him wouldn’t be easy. He was the kind of person who would push me down dark paths, much like others have done in the world before him.
But here’s the thing. I knew what I was getting into. I knew that his actions, even if harsh or unethical at times, would push me to grow. I knew I’d get hurt and find myself in tough situations, but I also knew I’d come out stronger on the other side. And guess what? That’s exactly what happened. Our company grew, and so did I. So, does that make him evil? Did he manipulate me, or did I use him to achieve my own growth? It’s a tricky question because, in the end, we both gained something from the experience.
This brings up a larger question: if doing something “bad” helps someone grow and become better, does that make us bad? Or is it worse to stand by and let them struggle without intervening, even if we know what’s going to happen?
Good and bad, evil and right, it’s all like a ping-pong game. Nothing is purely one way or the other. Every person, every situation has a mix of both. We can’t fully define someone as evil or good based on a few actions. Life is more complex than that. It’s like trying to calculate every decision a human makes without knowing if their intentions are truly good or bad.
Take Breaking Bad as an example. Walter White starts out as a high school teacher who turns to cooking meth to provide for his family after a cancer diagnosis. His intentions seem good at first, he wants to make sure his family is financially secure after he’s gone. But over time, his actions become darker, and he starts making decisions that hurt others for his own benefit. Is Walter evil because he chose a criminal path, or is he good because he started out with good intentions? The line between right and wrong becomes blurred as he justifies his actions in the name of family.
Walter White’s journey shows us that doing something “bad” can feel justified when the goal is noble. But as we see throughout the show, the consequences of those actions can lead us down a darker path, making us question where the tipping point really is.
Now let’s look at someone like Napoleon. To some, Napoleon is remembered as a brilliant military leader who spread progressive ideals across Europe, like the Napoleonic Code, which influenced modern legal systems. But to others, he’s seen as a tyrant who caused widespread death and destruction during his conquests. Was Napoleon a hero or a villain? It depends on who you ask and which part of his story you focus on.
Similarly, Steve Jobs is often hailed as a visionary who revolutionized technology and changed the way we live. But people who worked closely with him describe him as tough, sometimes ruthless, and willing to push people beyond their limits. Did his demanding nature make him a bad person, or was it part of what made him successful and allowed him to create something great?
These examples show that good and bad can be seen differently depending on the perspective. What’s perceived as genius or progress by some may be seen as harsh or destructive by others. The reality is often more nuanced than we realize.
Take history as another example. Look at the Crusades, launched by the Church. Millions of people were killed in the name of God, and to the Church, many of these actions were justified as being for the greater good, protecting Christianity, reclaiming lands, and spreading their faith. But was it really for the good? For some, it was an act of faith, for others, it was about conquest and power. To the people on the other side of those wars, it was pure evil.
History is filled with these examples. What is good for one group might be seen as evil by another. This shows us that good and bad aren’t fixed, they depend on perspective, context, and whose side of the story you’re on.
Just like in everyday life, what seems good in one context can be perceived as bad in another. Often, the way we label actions or people depends on our first impression, but that can change with more knowledge and understanding.
Now imagine a hypothetical situation where someone steals food to feed their starving family. Is stealing bad? Yes, by most legal and moral standards. But in this case, the intention is to protect and provide for loved ones, which feels like a good reason. Does the good intention justify the bad action?
Or think about a leader who makes a difficult decision during a crisis, knowing that people will suffer in the short term, but believing it will save more lives in the long run. Is that leader evil for making people suffer, or are they acting out of a greater sense of good?
These hypothetical situations show how morality often involves weighing the lesser of two evils or finding a balance between good intentions and negative consequences.
Personally, I believe that we are all born with the potential for both good and evil. It’s our experiences, values, and the choices we make that determine which direction we go. Good isn’t just about being kind or doing the right thing because that’s what society expects. It’s about understanding the consequences of our actions and how they affect others.
Being good requires effort, it means acting with integrity, even when it’s difficult or when no one’s watching. It’s about considering the greater impact of your choices, not just doing good for the sake of appearances or for a reward. At the same time, being “bad” isn’t always as straightforward as doing something wrong; sometimes, people act out of desperation, fear, or survival. Understanding this makes it easier to navigate the gray areas of morality.
At the end of the day, good and bad are not fixed concepts. They are shaped by culture, upbringing, and personal experiences. We make decisions based on what we think is right or wrong, and sometimes, that can change based on new information or perspectives. What’s important is to stay aware of the consequences of our actions and to strive for balance, doing good not because it’s expected, but because it leads to a better outcome for everyone involved.
Life isn’t black and white. We all play different roles in different people’s stories, sometimes as the hero, sometimes as the villain. And that’s okay. What matters is how we handle those complexities and how we choose to grow from them.
4. Consistency vs. Motivation
What is consistency? It’s doing the same actions day by day, sticking to a routine. And what is motivation? It’s that burst of energy and inspiration that drives you to take action, even if it’s not part of your daily plan. You could say motivation is like fuel
You use it when you feel it’s the right time to push forward.
In today’s modern world, everyone talks about consistency as the key to success. They tell you to show up every single day, no matter what. Meanwhile, motivation is seen as unreliable something that fades over time. But I believe that success should be a combination of both.
No one can be consistent their whole life because life is unpredictable. It’s like a roller coaster. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow. So, what does that mean? Should you let everything fall apart the moment life gets in the way?
Napoleon and Flexibility
Let’s look at Napoleon for a moment. While Napoleon was known for his rigorous discipline and strategic consistency, he also knew how to adapt when circumstances changed. His famous march through Europe required consistency in terms of logistics and strategy, but it was his flexibility and ability to tap into motivation that led to his many successes. He didn’t just stick to the same rigid plan
He adapted to the battlefield, used his motivation to inspire his troops, and made split-second decisions that brought victory.
This shows that while consistency is crucial, there are times when you need that motivational spark to push through unexpected challenges. Napoleon couldn’t have won if he relied only on consistency without that extra drive to seize opportunities when they came.
Consistency in the Modern World
In today’s world, people often say that consistency is what leads to success. You need to show up every day, put in the work, and eventually, you’ll see results. That’s true to an extent. But what happens when life throws you off balance?
Imagine this: you’ve set a goal to run 10km every day. You’ve been consistent for weeks, but one day, something happens, you have an emergency, and you need to catch a flight that’s 17 hours away. You miss your daily run. What happens next? Do you feel guilty? Most likely, yes.
The point is, consistency is good, but it has to be personalized. Everyone’s life is different, and so their version of consistency should fit their reality. Maybe instead of running 10km every day, you aim for four solid runs a week. That way, if something unexpected happens, you won’t feel as though you’ve failed. This approach creates room for motivation to step in when needed.
Rocky and the Power of Motivation
If you’ve ever seen Rocky, you’ll understand how motivation plays a huge role in success. Rocky Balboa is the underdog boxer who doesn’t have all the resources, training, or even natural talent that his opponents have. But what makes him stand out is his motivation. He trains hard and shows incredible discipline, but there are moments where his motivation—his “eye of the tiger”—pushes him beyond the limits of his consistency. When he’s beaten down, it’s that motivation that gets him back up.
Rocky isn’t just about showing up every day to train. It’s about tapping into that deeper drive when things get tough. Without that motivational fire, his consistency alone wouldn’t have been enough to win those big fights.
Consistency in Fitness
Personally, I’ve faced moments where consistency and motivation collided. I’m someone who loves setting goals, whether it’s working out or improving in business. There was a time when I set a goal to work out every single day. And for a while, I stuck to it. But as life got busier, there were days where I physically couldn’t make it to the gym. I started feeling guilty, like I had failed in some way.
But I realized something important, consistency doesn’t have to mean “every day” for everyone. It means setting realistic goals that work for your life. I shifted my focus to working out four times a week, and when I could, I’d squeeze in extra sessions. This way, I stayed consistent in my commitment but allowed motivation to fuel me on those extra days. That’s when I saw real progress.
Consistency as a Builder, Motivation as the Spark
Let’s say you’re trying to write a book. Consistency is what gets you to the desk every day to write a few pages. But some days, you’re just not feeling it. Maybe you’re tired, or maybe inspiration is lacking. This is where motivation comes in. Motivation might hit you randomly on a Sunday morning when you least expect it, and you end up writing 20 pages in a single session. Without that initial consistency, though, motivation would have no foundation to build on.
Motivation is the spark that keeps the fire going, but consistency is the fuel that makes sure the fire doesn’t burn out too quickly. You need both to sustain long-term success.
My Perspective on Consistency vs. Motivation
Consistency is important because it creates structure and habits. It’s what gets you to the gym, to the desk, or wherever you need to be, day after day. But motivation is the reason you started in the first place. It’s what fuels your passion and keeps you pushing, even when consistency becomes a grind.
The key is finding a balance. You can’t rely only on motivation because it’s not always there. Some days, you just won’t feel like it. That’s where consistency comes in. But you also can’t be so rigid that you ignore the moments when motivation hits hard. Those are the moments that can lead to breakthroughs.
At the end of the day, consistency builds habits, but motivation drives growth. Life isn’t predictable, and things will always come up that throw you off course. The goal isn’t to be perfect, but to find a system that works for you, where both consistency and motivation can coexist.
5. How to Give Up
"Give up"
It's a powerful phrase. It often feels like an admission of defeat, something negative. But is it always a bad thing? Sometimes it’s necessary, yet it’s hard to explain to others why you’re thinking about giving up. Giving up is a moment of questioning.
Are you on the right path? Is this good for your body, mind, or emotions?
Giving up can feel like relief, a release from something draining. But the real question is: is this just a short-term solution, or will it affect you in the long term? It’s difficult to calculate, especially when balancing the pros and cons of your choices. Sometimes, giving up is simply making a trade.
Letting go of one thing to gain something else. But does that make it wrong?
Let’s take a look at history,specifically, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. For almost three decades, the wall stood as a symbol of division between East and West Germany. The Communist regime held firm, refusing to give in to mounting pressure. But as political movements, protests, and global diplomacy gained strength, the government eventually “gave up” and opened the borders.
Did they give up on their ideology? Yes. But this surrender led to the reunification of Germany, a historic moment that brought together families, friends, and a nation. The Communist government saw that holding on to their stance would have done more harm than good. Sometimes, giving up isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s recognizing when a new path must be taken for a better outcome.
So, is giving up always bad? Not necessarily. It depends on the situation. Understanding the value of what you’re giving up and the potential consequences is key. It’s about calculating the risk versus reward. For example, if you’re pursuing a business idea that hasn’t gained traction after years of effort, you may need to step back. Are you giving up on the dream itself, or just finding a better way to achieve it?
In business, we often see people who need to pivot. It’s not about quitting, it’s about adapting. Knowing when to quit isn’t failure; it’s making a strategic decision. Sometimes, giving up allows space for growth elsewhere.
For a lighter pop culture example, let’s look at the iconic TV show Friends. In the relationship between Ross and Rachel, we see a constant push and pull. Throughout the series, they break up multiple times, and each time they "give up" on the relationship, it’s not because they no longer care, it’s because the timing isn’t right, or they’re not ready for what it demands. But in the end, they don’t fully give up. They find their way back together after each phase of their personal growth.
This shows that giving up in the short term can sometimes allow for reflection and personal development, setting the stage for better outcomes in the long run. It’s not always final.
It's a pause, a chance to reevaluate.
In my own life, I’ve faced moments when giving up seemed like the only option. There was a time when a business venture wasn’t going as planned. I was working hard, putting in endless hours, but the results just weren’t there. I didn’t want to be seen as someone who quit easily, so I kept pushing. But eventually, I realized it wasn’t about quitting
It was about pausing. I needed to reassess the situation, take a break, and rethink my approach.
When I came back, I was more focused and ready to make smarter decisions. Sometimes, giving up temporarily is what allows us to come back stronger and better prepared. It’s not about failure; it’s about giving yourself the time and space to grow.
Imagine you’re a marathon runner, and you’re halfway through the race when you start to feel a sharp pain in your knee. You’ve trained for months, maybe years, for this moment. But you know that if you push through, you could cause serious damage. Do you give up on the race? Maybe, but that doesn’t mean you’ve given up on your goal. You take the time to heal and train smarter for the next marathon.
In this case, giving up in the short term is actually the wiser choice. It saves you from long-term harm and gives you the chance to return when you’re ready to give your best performance. This is the difference between pushing through recklessly and understanding when a pause is necessary for future success.
So, should you give up? The answer isn’t black and white. Sometimes, it’s not about completely walking away but knowing when to pause and regroup. It’s about understanding your limits, calculating the risks, and deciding whether continuing is worth it. Giving up for a while can lead to a fresh perspective and renewed strength.
Giving up isn’t always a failure. It can be a strategic move to realign your focus. Instead of telling yourself to quit, think of it as a pause, a chance to recharge and get stronger for the next challenge. Keep going if it’s worth it to you, but recognize that sometimes a break is what you need to come back even better.
Life is unpredictable, and you won’t always know when to push through or when to step back. But if what you’re doing is truly worth it to you, keep going. There will be tough moments, times when you’re tempted to give up. But remember, sometimes a pause is all you need to get back on track. Consistency, motivation, and adaptability are the real keys to success.
You can give up on the short term, but don’t give up on yourself.
6. What is Time?
Time,it’s relative. People talk about it all the time, but few really understand what it is or how to feel it. Is time just a ticking clock, or is it more of a thread connecting your past, present, and future? Time can be a gift, but it can also be terrifying. Some people try to hold onto it, others try to outrun it, but the truth is, time is the one thing we can’t escape.
We have 24 hours in a day, 365 days in a year, and what we do with that time is entirely up to us. You might sleep 5–8 hours a night, spend an hour each on lunch and dinner, and maybe an hour on some external activity. Then, there’s work, fun, living your life—how you spend your time is your choice. Time gives us the opportunity to see life as a series of events that can change everything. Sometimes we get lucky, sometimes we don’t. But time never stops. It’s progress, it’s life itself—it’s both your enemy and your ally.
Let’s start with Einstein. His theory of relativity showed us that time isn’t fixed, it bends depending on speed and gravity. Time flows differently for astronauts in space compared to those of us on Earth. While this might sound like science fiction, it’s a real reminder that time, as we perceive it, is flexible.
Einstein’s theory reminds us that time isn’t just a strict clock we follow. It’s a concept that can change depending on where you are and how you move through life. The point is, we all have time, but how we experience and use it can vary greatly. Just like in life—some people seem to have more time than others because they use it more efficiently.
You might think, "How do I manage my time better?" You have to start with understanding that the past doesn’t exist anymore, and the future hasn’t happened yet. The only thing you can control is the present moment, right here and now. People waste so much time thinking about what they should have done or what might happen, but that doesn’t change anything. The only time that matters is now.
Look at your daily routine. How much time do you really spend on things that matter to you? Are you investing in your goals or just killing time? Imagine you have a ball that rolls through different events each one changes the course of your life over time. Time, like that ball, is always moving. The question is: are you going to let it roll on its own, or will you direct it?
In the show Doctor Who, time isn’t just something that passes; it’s a tool. The Doctor travels through time, changing events in the past and future, shaping outcomes for different civilizations. But one of the most important lessons the show teaches is that no matter how much power you have over time, some events are “fixed points” they can’t be changed. Time can be flexible, but it also has boundaries.
The Doctor’s relationship with time shows us that while we may want to control it, we can’t always do so. Instead, we have to learn to work with it, understanding its flow and making the most of the moments we have.
In my own life, I’ve had moments where time felt like an enemy. There were deadlines I couldn’t meet, days where I felt like time was slipping through my fingers. But over time, I realized that the key isn’t to fight against time it’s to make it your ally. I started using time as a framework to build better habits, to set achievable goals, and to pace myself.
Instead of seeing time as a countdown, I began to view it as a tool for progress. If you use time to your advantage whether it’s structuring your day, setting limits on distractions, or allowing yourself moments to rest you can turn it into something that works for you rather than against you.
Imagine a stock market investor. They buy stocks, but the key to success isn’t just knowing what to buy it’s knowing when to sell. Time plays a crucial role here. If you sell too early, you miss out on growth. If you sell too late, you risk losing value. Timing is everything in the stock market, just like in life. Knowing when to act, when to wait, and when to move on is what makes all the difference.
This scenario is a metaphor for how we navigate time. We’re constantly making decisions that will impact our future, but we can only control the present. We can't predict exactly what will happen tomorrow, but we can make the best choices based on what we know now.
Time is the only resource you can never get back once it’s spent. But that doesn’t mean it has to be your enemy. You can use it wisely, learning from your past while focusing on the present, all the while preparing for the future without obsessing over it.
Time can push you to achieve great things, but it can also slow you down if you let it. The key is to respect time but not fear it. You don’t need to control every minute, but you do need to be aware of how you’re using the moments that pass.
Time is what you make of it. It’s both a force that pushes you forward and a reminder that nothing lasts forever. You can’t control time, but you can control how you spend it. The past is gone, and the future isn’t here yet. The only thing you have is now.
So make it count. Be smart with your time, turn it into your greatest asset, and live your life knowing that every second can bring you closer to where you want to be.
7. What is Success and How to Measure It?
Most people today—especially younger audiences—are blinded by one idea of success, which they think money can buy: a lifetime of freedom, winning, short-term joy, trips, plans, love, desires, excitement, luxury, beauty, family, wealth. But what does success really mean? With so many people chasing money and fame, the real meaning of success gets lost. Society today often defines success by what media shows us—an image sold by corporations that can trap the mind, rather than inspire it.
But success isn’t about how much you have; it’s about how much you can give. The more you take, the poorer you become; the more you give, the richer you are. It’s time to redefine success and what it means to each of us individually. Imagine if I told you you’d be a billionaire but only for ten days—and then you’d die. Would that feel like success?
Success is more than a number or a trophy. It’s a goal, a vision, a motivation, and it often requires sacrifices. Following the world’s version of success, like wealth or fame, might make you want more because it’s never enough. The truth is, real success has to come from your own definition, not someone else’s.
Each of us has a different “code” for success. For one person, it could mean having close friends, like how the Stoic philosophers valued strong friendships over wealth, saying that true success was about building connections that last a lifetime. For another, it might be living in nature, as seen in the life of naturalist John Muir, who found fulfillment exploring the wilderness rather than chasing riches. Or consider the idea of success in the story of The Pursuit of Happyness, where the main character’s ultimate success isn’t about money, but about creating a stable life for his son.
Success is personal, and to know what it means to you, you have to ask yourself: When I achieve my success, what feeling am I searching for?
Success isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the journey. It’s not a final destination—it’s the path you walk to discover what truly fulfills you.
The only way to measure success is when you stop thinking about it. When your life speaks for itself, and when you no longer need to prove your success to anyone, that’s when you’ll know you’ve truly succeeded. Think of Vincent van Gogh, who painted with passion and purpose, never gaining fame in his lifetime. His success came from the dedication to his art, not external approval.
Success, then, is when you can look back and say you lived a life true to yourself. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful to you—whatever that might look like.
What is a Choice?
A choice is more than just a decision, it’s an action, a reaction, and a moment that can be small, medium, or even monumental. Choices have the power to change lives. They can elevate you to the greatest moments of your life or bring you to your lowest points. Choice is the driving force behind human growth, development, and the paths we take.
But what happens when you make too many choices? Or too few? Or when you don’t even realize how many choices you have each day to truly live?
The real question is: how do we measure the most effective choices? How do we recognize the decisions that have the potential to change our lives forever?
The Power of Everyday Choices
Let’s start with a simple example. Imagine you decide to learn Spanish before traveling to Spain. When you finally go, you make amazing friends who change your perspective on life. Or, imagine you go to Spain without knowing a word of Spanish, and you meet the most beautiful person you’ve ever seen, who falls in love with your accents and all. In both cases, your choice leads to something incredible. This is the power of choice: it sets the stage for the unexpected.
But choice isn’t always about grand adventures. It’s about alignment with your goals and values. If your goal is to make money, your choices might focus on career opportunities and financial growth. If your dream is to build a family, your choices will center around finding the right partner, creating a home, and fostering stability.
Easy vs. Hard Choices
Not all choices are created equal. Some choices are easy, like deciding to make lasagna tonight. You simply go to the supermarket, pick up the ingredients, and take the time to make it. Easy.
But other choices require more effort, sacrifice, and long-term commitment. Let’s say you want to get fit for summer. This choice isn’t as simple as a trip to the store. It means giving up processed food, eating healthier, going to the gym, and sticking to a routine. It’s a hard choice because it requires consistency, discipline, and the willingness to push through challenges. The harder the choice, the greater the reward.
Rosa Parks and the Power of One Choice
One of the most profound examples of choice comes from history. Rosa Parks made a seemingly small choice one day she chose not to give up her seat on a bus. But that choice sparked a movement, challenging systemic racism and changing the course of history. Her decision wasn’t easy, but it aligned with her values and goals. It’s a reminder that even the smallest choices can lead to monumental change.
Choices That Create Luck
Here’s the thing about choices—they create opportunities. Every choice you make sets off a chain reaction. One good choice can open doors to other good choices, creating a cycle of progress and growth.
Think about Steve Jobs deciding to drop out of college. It wasn’t an easy or conventional choice, but it allowed him to focus on his passion for design and innovation. That choice led to the creation of Apple, a company that transformed the way we live and communicate. Luck isn’t random; it’s built through the choices we make.
The Sliding Doors Effect
Imagine standing in front of two doors. Behind one door is a life where you follow your passions, take risks, and accept challenges. Behind the other door is a life where you play it safe, avoiding risks but also missing out on potential rewards. Both doors lead to different lives, but the choice is yours. The Sliding Doors Effect shows us that even the smallest decisions can lead to dramatically different outcomes.
Choice as Alignment
From my own experience, I’ve learned that choices should be guided by what you truly want to achieve. When your choices align with your goals, they have the power to take you where you want to go. But no matter how well-aligned your decisions are, there will always be uncertainty. Choices aren’t about guarantees they’re about possibilities.
Sometimes, choices are hard. Sometimes, they’re simple. But they all lead somewhere. The key is to make them intentionally, knowing they’re part of your journey, not just random acts.
Conclusion: The Chain of Choices
Choice is the foundation of growth and change. It creates opportunities, builds luck, and sets the direction for your life. Whether it’s a small decision like what to eat for dinner or a big one like starting a new career, every choice matters. It’s not about making the perfect decision—it’s about making the best decision you can with the information you have and trusting the process.
Ultimately, choice is what makes life exciting. It’s the uncertainty, the risks, and the rewards that keep us moving forward. So, make your choices wisely, align them with your goals, and trust that even the hardest decisions can lead to something extraordinary.