Success & Motivation

The Uncomfortable Truth About Success Guidance

Many “gurus” fail to reveal the stark realities of achieving success, and the narrative often gets distorted.

I’ve never been particularly fond of success literature. Though I’ve read a handful, I found little of it genuinely beneficial. While some stories were enjoyable, most texts, aside from a few inspired by The Art of War or modern interpretations of biblical verses, didn’t offer practical insights. Success advice is not confined to books; it permeates the internet, currently gaining immense traction.

Typically, this guidance revolves around notions like, “perform this single action daily to achieve success” or “adopt these habits to succeed.” These ideas often stem from observations of billionaires, which are then shared in a simplified format.

I harbor no resentment towards those pursuing success, but the romanticization surrounding it often leads to detrimental effects, exacerbating division and wealth disparity.

Poor guidance resembles the effects of alcohol. It can enhance joy during good times, but in difficult moments, it can lead to disastrous consequences—sometimes without any chance of recovery.

The Bad Engine Analogy

My father owned a Prius when it was considered a trendy vehicle. He would drive it on backroads for about 30 minutes daily, often pushing it to its limits. However, the reality was that it had little power—more akin to a toy car than a high-speed vehicle.

Despite the jokes, it was a functional car, though its visibility issues became apparent in the foggy conditions of Northern California. Eventually, he opted for a Honda Civic, which offered better visibility and decent fuel efficiency.

I inherited the Civic, driving it for years until it was time for an upgrade due to wear and tear. Upon visiting a dealership, I was surprised to see that new cars had become more efficient than hybrids, raising my curiosity about advancements in engine technology.

I tested several new models, experiencing a rush of speed far superior to my old Civic. This newfound power made me realize the importance of acceleration in avoiding perilous situations on the road.

When I bought my new car, it was larger but equally fuel-efficient, allowing me to accelerate quickly without excessive gas use, contrasting sharply with my previous vehicle.

Knowing wealthy individuals grants insight into their decision-making processes and lifestyles. Surprisingly, some affluent individuals may appear disheveled and unashamed, often sporting worn clothing that has withstood the test of time.

Their choice of attire is not a fashion statement; rather, it reflects a mindset focused on long-term investments. They prioritize putting their resources into sustainable ventures.

The Complexity of Success

One might think, “I’ll simply spend less and use items until they wear out,” but this mindset only scratches the surface of what’s necessary.

The discipline and practice needed to avoid poor financial decisions can trap many in a cycle of bad choices, leading to dire consequences.

To cultivate this discipline requires intentional living, which is often unattainable for those living paycheck to paycheck without a stroke of luck.

YouTube is currently in a precarious position. As of 2023, it battles to retain subscribers and convert ad-blocker users into paying customers. Despite efforts to maintain revenue, content quality has deteriorated, prompting viewers to seek alternatives like Curiosity Stream and Nebula, or favoring platforms such as TikTok over YouTube.

If you find yourself trying to cut expenses, it may indicate a failing system that is costing more than it earns.

While I may sound pessimistic, it’s crucial not to romanticize the journey to success. Opportunities to earn fair wages are dwindling, and the system tends to favor those already affluent rather than those striving to build wealth.

Adding Fuel to a Faulty Engine

A well-functioning engine utilizes fuel efficiently, converting it into thrust with minimal waste. In contrast, a malfunctioning engine loses energy during combustion, resulting in poor performance.

A successful individual mirrors this efficiency. They have likely honed their mindset over many years, often benefiting from a supportive environment that helped them learn essential financial lessons early on.

The Cliché of Daily Routines

The idea that “millionaires engage in X daily” is a tired trope that doesn’t hold true for everyone.

I've encountered “millionaires” whose advice could lead to financial peril. For instance, one YouTuber suggested taking out a loan to buy a first home, intending to pay it off with rental income. This advice is problematic, as the individual’s millionaire status may be fleeting, and economic fluctuations could jeopardize their investments.

The reality is that their income derives from creating content about success, rather than actual investment returns. They may be funneling YouTube earnings into their so-called investments, masking the true nature of their financial stability.

Content is often filled with gimmicky advice designed to attract views, resulting in a cycle that rewards the creator while viewers lose time and money.

The Fallacy of Oversimplification

This type of content is rife with fallacies, and this discussion merely scratches the surface. I have several related articles in the pipeline to delve deeper into this topic.

Using the analogy of a Formula 1 car, imagine a driver who consistently wins races. When asked about their success, they credit their tires, neglecting the years of skill development and experience that contribute to their performance.

The same principle applies to the cliché that “millionaires wake up three hours early.” For someone working two jobs, implementing this advice becomes impractical, leaving little time for sleep.

In this extreme scenario, the advice fails to account for the realities of those living under financial strain. It’s an example of the composition fallacy: what applies to the whole does not necessarily apply to its parts.

A Shallow Overview

Now that you recognize this fallacy, you can critically assess the claims of entrepreneurs who insist they achieved success from nothing while profiting off their content—be it books, videos, or podcasts.

Articles like this often undergo extensive planning. This piece has been revised multiple times and is part of a broader series. Expect more discussions on these themes in the future as I continue exploring this complex topic.