“Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth. The people who wanted it the least, were the ones I wanted to date and be friends with in high school. The people who want it the most, are the people I now hire to work for my company.”
This was a speech given by Taylor Swift in 2022 at New York University after being awarded an honorary doctorate degree in fine arts.
Taylor Swift encouraged students not to be afraid to be enthusiastic and to try hard when it comes to the things they love.
The main lessons I learned from this video are:
- Don’t be afraid to make an effort
- Don’t be afraid to be seen making an effort
The Misconception of an Effortless Life
I want to double down on Taylor’s message and talk about the misconceptions of an effortless life.
Many people appear to achieve their goals without effort, but the truth is
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected surprises.
While it may appear that some individuals lead effortless lives, the reality is that there is no such thing as an effortless life.
In one of our previous views, Terry Crews says that Talent is a Myth.
Success and happiness are not handed out on a silver platter but earned through hard work, perseverance, and determination.
The belief in an effortless life is a common misconception that often stems from a lack of understanding of the hard work and sacrifices that go into achieving success.
Individuals who appear to lead an effortless life may have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reach their goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve their dreams.
In fact, many successful people will tell you that the journey to success is often challenging and filled with setbacks, failures, and disappointments.
The worst part is that the idea of an effortless life can also be damaging because it creates unrealistic expectations and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure when we inevitably face challenges and obstacles in our own lives.
It’s important to remember that setbacks and failures are a natural part of life. How we respond to these challenges ultimately determines our success.
We must be willing to put in the effort and make sacrifices to succeed.
There are no alternative paths here.
This may mean sacrificing leisure time to focus on our goals, pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones, and facing failure and setbacks.
While it may not be easy, the journey toward success is often the most rewarding part of the process. Realizing this is the beauty of chaos.
We can create a fulfilling and meaningful life by embracing the challenges and obstacles that come our way and putting in the necessary effort to achieve our goals.
The 3-step Success Model
I want to give you a practical model for achieving success without overwhelming you.
This three-step model is simple yet challenging, like any other path to success.
Initially, it may be challenging to get started. Still, with practice, iteration, and persistence, it will become more accessible and enjoyable.
This model will help you embrace challenges as opportunities, do the necessary work, and celebrate progress.
Step 1: Embrace Challenges as Opportunities
Challenges are a natural part of life and can be overwhelming, scary, and difficult to deal with.
However, it’s essential to remember that challenges also offer growth, change, and progress opportunities.
Embracing challenges means accepting that they are a natural part of the journey toward success and can help you become a better version of yourself.
To embrace challenges as opportunities, start by acknowledging your feelings and fears.
Don’t ignore them or push them away. Instead, accept them and use them as motivation to take action.
Identify the specific challenge you’re facing and determine what steps you can take to overcome it.
Seek new solutions and strategies to help you navigate the obstacle and move forward.
Remember that challenges can be overwhelming, but they can also be empowering.
You can develop resilience, strength, and confidence by facing your challenges head-on and embracing them as opportunities.
You can also build the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your goals and succeed.
Step 2: Put in the Work
Success and happiness require hard work, dedication, and determination.
You must be willing to make sacrifices, step outside your comfort zone, and persist in facing failure.
This might mean sacrificing leisure time to focus on your goals, pushing yourself beyond your limits, and developing new skills and knowledge.
To put in the work, start by setting clear and specific goals for yourself.
Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps and create a plan of action to help you achieve them.
Be prepared to make sacrifices and prioritize your goals over other activities or distractions that might stand in your way.
Remember that hard work is not always easy or enjoyable. Still, it is often the most rewarding part of the process.
By working and staying committed to your goals, you can develop the resilience, perseverance, and determination you need to succeed.
Step 3: Celebrate Progress
Success is achieved through step-by-step progress, not just the final destination.
It’s essential to celebrate each small victory along the way and acknowledge the effort and hard work that has gone into achieving each milestone.
Celebrating progress helps build momentum and motivation toward achieving long-term goals.
To celebrate progress, start by setting milestones and tracking your progress toward them.
Celebrate each milestone by rewarding yourself and acknowledging the effort and hard work you put into achieving it. Remember that progress is not always linear, and setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the process.
By celebrating progress, you will stay motivated and focused on your long-term goals.
You can also build confidence in your ability to succeed and develop the resilience to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Remember to enjoy the journey and celebrate each small victory along the way.
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