You find yourself fixating more and more on the suffering in the world. You were always aware of it, but now you think about it all of the time. It seems that the second you try to enjoy some part of your new success, some image of world suffering floods your mind, and you feel terrible.
In business meetings—designated for business—we are expected to do a lot of pleasantries (how was your vacation? You like your new neighborhood? Oh yes, these smoothies are great etc etc) before we can dive into business. If we get straight to business, we’re accused of being cold and rude. Men are not held to that same standard.
A lot of your success will depend on with whom you associate. There are people who ask you to make introductions for them or be a reference for them—people whom you know, in your gut, aren’t great at what they do. But, you want to be nice, so you make those intros and you are that reference. And then, that hurts your reputation.
Most people who are successful in your industry probably didn’t find success in their twenties. They likely grinded it out, working themselves to the bone for years before they found success. They had day jobs for eight hours a day and then dedicated their evenings to their dream. They have little respect for someone who they perceive just had success handed to them.
Not only is your body designed to get around seven or eight hours of sleep a night, spend regular time in nature, and be surrounded by loved ones to survive but so is your brain.
