On Habit 2 – It’s much easier to be outcome-oriented than it is to be action - or process - oriented. This is especially prevalent because most of the content people consume shows the fruits of hard work, not the work itself. Outcomes are easily understood, and people develop a strong affinity for them. The more they consume outcome-oriented content that showcases none of the real work required to achieve desirable results, the further they get from understanding and embodying action and effort. Far too many people ask, “How do I start?” because most of what they’ve consumed has nothing to do with starting.
Agreed! I've been struggling with posting new articles lately, and it's because I'm afraid of being messy, when I already fuckin' know that all of my creative goals is achieved through that same messy process! Lol So, I must start first, in that uncomfortable place, to arrive to the place called completion. As someone who claims to " respect the process " , I have been showing it made disrespect recently. Time to refocus! Thanks Dan. :)
You are right about everything, Dan. Now, can you please get rid of this horrid black background with white lettering!? Or at the least, have an option button for those who have a vision challenge so we can read black typeface on a white background.
Totally agree, Dan! My clients always ask me how to start, drowning in too many courses without taking action. My inner thought is: Fuck it, just start doing it. How else are you supposed to begin?
The truth is, overthinking is the enemy of progress. They don’t need another “perfect” framework—they need to dive in, make mistakes, and iterate. As you said, the only way to start is to just start. No amount of courseconsuming replaces the wisdom of messy, imperfect action.
I loved the structure of this letter — it was straight to the point.
And I could feel that points 2, 4, and 5 were nagging at you, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
I've been getting myself more and more to write directly from my heart instead of using calculated coolness, and it just hits different, just like this letter.
On Habit 2 – It’s much easier to be outcome-oriented than it is to be action - or process - oriented. This is especially prevalent because most of the content people consume shows the fruits of hard work, not the work itself. Outcomes are easily understood, and people develop a strong affinity for them. The more they consume outcome-oriented content that showcases none of the real work required to achieve desirable results, the further they get from understanding and embodying action and effort. Far too many people ask, “How do I start?” because most of what they’ve consumed has nothing to do with starting.
Solid observation - makes sense why when I watch streams or people actually doing the thing it clicks a lot faster
Agreed - consuming action oriented content reliably provides clarity
Agreed! I've been struggling with posting new articles lately, and it's because I'm afraid of being messy, when I already fuckin' know that all of my creative goals is achieved through that same messy process! Lol So, I must start first, in that uncomfortable place, to arrive to the place called completion. As someone who claims to " respect the process " , I have been showing it made disrespect recently. Time to refocus! Thanks Dan. :)
"Your life's work isn't an outcome. It's a process." And that is why we should stop procrastinating with hundreds of excuses - but get on with it!
Thanks for reading Sandra :)
It was an amazingly detailed article, Dan. Full of excellent take aways-if only we could do them all!
Hi Ingrid - can you give me a hint?
You are right about everything, Dan. Now, can you please get rid of this horrid black background with white lettering!? Or at the least, have an option button for those who have a vision challenge so we can read black typeface on a white background.
Sorry Connie - have you downloaded the Substack app? You should be able to change the theme in your settings there.
The path to success is repetitive, boring and not glamorous at all. It involves radical responsibility, self-reflection and delayed gratification.
Totally agree, Dan! My clients always ask me how to start, drowning in too many courses without taking action. My inner thought is: Fuck it, just start doing it. How else are you supposed to begin?
The truth is, overthinking is the enemy of progress. They don’t need another “perfect” framework—they need to dive in, make mistakes, and iterate. As you said, the only way to start is to just start. No amount of courseconsuming replaces the wisdom of messy, imperfect action.
Habit 2 is one of my favorites. I feel just starting is half the battle
you're a genius and reading this brings so much peace to me. thank you for sharing your life's work with us
I loved the structure of this letter — it was straight to the point.
And I could feel that points 2, 4, and 5 were nagging at you, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
I've been getting myself more and more to write directly from my heart instead of using calculated coolness, and it just hits different, just like this letter.
Great job, Dan.
3 seconds in and my soul is screaming yes as I skimmed the first couple points 🔥
I have been hitting publish for 3 weeks and its helping my sense of purpose A LOT! 🔥
Thanks for this!❤️
"You aren't where you want to be because you aren't the person who would be there." This hit hard for me and is so true.
some harsh truths—i’m glad someone’s saying it !
This helped me so much. Thank you.
Although hard to read, this is probably exactly what I needed now. Thanks!
How to not rely to motivation ?