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6 Things I Learned From a $1,000 an Hour Consultation

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About half a year ago, I made the step of paying $1000 for an hour of somebody’s time. I handed out that large amount just so I could pick his brain.

His name was Ryan Holiday, and in that hour Ryan taught me how to be a better writer.

And it wasn’t just about writing per se. It was about standing out in your pursuit of your dreams.

It may sound crazy, to pay a thousand dollars for just an hour of somebody’s time, but it’s well worth it.

Sometimes, you just have to take the leap to make big strides in yourself.

 

1) You cannot play safe, so be afraid

I learnt that before I publish a new article on my blog, I absolutely have to feel afraid, anxious and uncomfortable.

This is not a cheesy idea where as if only artistic people can relate to on some spiritual level.

Look at it this way: If you’re not afraid, anxious or the least bit uncomfortable, that means you’re playing it safe.

And if you’re safe, then you’re like the rest of the world.

You cannot stand out if you’re like the rest of the world, that is why you need to be afraid in the art you create.

So don’t play safe. Be very afraid and get uncomfortable. Your passion, art and message are dying to come out.

 

2) Ask yourself, “Is this something only I can make?”

Ryan told me this,

Before you publish an article, ask yourself, ‘Is this something only YOU can show to the world?

It sounds obvious enough, but I think it’s something most of us miss out on.

We keep thinking we need to follow the rules and emulate our idols or those we look up to. As such, we forget that we have something special to say in the first place.

From time to time, we should give ourselves the benefit of the doubt that we’re actually right, that our unique voice or message is something part of the world wants to hear.

You may not follow suit with the world, but that doesn’t mean you’re wrong. So trust your gut. That’s how you relay your message.

 

3) Sometimes you need to feel the pinch

Did I feel like I was crazy for spending a thousand bucks just for an hour of somebody’s time? I sure did.

But that’s okay.

I knew I had to make that step. Anything less would mean that I’d take it for granted.

So sacrifice. Feel the pinch.

Most people in the world want freebies and discount to the point that they don’t recognize the value of the great things they have.

You’ve way more than you think. If you really want something, then go all out for it.

 

4) If it works so well, why would they teach?

I think way too many of us are caught up in the rules of business and marketing. We think we need to follow the same path other marketers and entrepreneurs always try to teach.

And it’s very easy to get trapped by them because they’re seemingly successful.

But remember this: They managed to create their own path.

They’re trying to make you follow the same path, but there’d never be enough space for you to tag along.

There’d be a time when you eventually have to follow your own instincts, break the rules and feel entirely uncomfortable all the way.

So just do it. Create your own experience and learn from them. Your experience will never lie to you, whereas what others teach you may be questionable.

 

5) “Good content is giving a piece of your own humanity, back to humanity.”

That is the exact quote I was told.

Great content isn’t just about following a set of rules or learning from a bunch of teachers.

You need to harness your own energy and tell the world what you’re about; what your unique message really is. And no amount of mentors, coaches or courses can give you that. You can only learn so much from what others have to teach you.

Look deep within. Again, break some rules. If you’ve spotted something wrong in life and have something to say, say it.

The right people would appreciate you for that and those will eventually become your loyal fans.

 

6) The work is the goal

As a writer, I always thought that my eventual success would mean being “discovered” or experiencing some ultimate break.

But that is not the case. Why? Because that is like hoping to score the lottery and thinking that all your problems will be solved then.

The real goal is the work.

You’ve to do the work every day. You’ve to put in the effort for all the little things all the time. You’ve to persevere even though there is not end in sight.

And with every small step you take, you’ll get closer to your goal. With every small thing you do, you’ll have created something big at the end.

Your just rewards will come eventually. You’ll know it when you feel it.

So don’t ever give up. Keep working hard and put in the daily work.

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Success Advice

Inside the TikTok Resume Hack That’s Fooling Recruiters (For Now)

A viral TikTok resume trick promises interviews overnight, yet one wrong move could blacklist you from future jobs.

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AI resume hacks
Image Credit: Midjourney

Your job hunt has stalled out. After weeks of submitting online applications, you haven’t had a nibble. (more…)

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Life

9 Harsh Truths Every Young Man Must Face to Succeed in the Modern World

Before chasing success, every young man needs to face these 9 brutal realities shaping masculinity in the modern world.

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Image Credit: Midjourney

Many young men today quietly battle depression, loneliness, and a sense of confusion about who they’re meant to be.

Some blame the lack of deep friendships or romantic relationships. Others feel lost in a digital world that often labels traditional masculinity as “toxic.”

But the truth is this: becoming a man in the modern age takes more than just surviving. It takes resilience, direction, and a willingness to grow even when no one’s watching.

Success doesn’t arrive by accident or luck. It’s built on discipline, sacrifice, and consistency.

Here are 9 harsh truths every young man should know if he wants to thrive, not just survive, in the digital age.

1. Never Use Your Illness as an Excuse

As Dr. Jordan B. Peterson often says, successful people don’t complain; they act.

Your illness, hardship, or struggle shouldn’t define your limits; it should define your motivation. Rest when you must, but always get back up and keep building your dreams. Motivation doesn’t appear magically. It comes after you take action.

Here are five key lessons I’ve learned from Dr. Peterson:

  • Learn to write clearly; clarity of thought makes you dangerous.

  • Read quality literature in your free time.

  • Nurture a strong relationship with your family.

  • Share your ideas publicly; your voice matters.

  • Become a “monster”, powerful, but disciplined enough to control it.

The best leaders and thinkers are grounded. They welcome criticism, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward no matter what.

2. You Can’t Please Everyone And That’s Okay

You don’t need a crowd of people to feel fulfilled. You need a few friends who genuinely accept you for who you are.

If your circle doesn’t bring out your best, it’s okay to walk away. Solitude can be a powerful teacher. It gives you space to understand what you truly want from life. Remember, successful men aren’t people-pleasers; they’re purpose-driven.

3. You Can Control the Process, Not the Outcome

Especially in creative work, writing, business, or content creation, you control effort, not results.

You might publish two articles a day, but you can’t dictate which one will go viral. Focus on mastery, not metrics. Many great writers toiled for years in obscurity before anyone noticed them. Rejection, criticism, and indifference are all part of the path.

The best creators focus on storytelling, not applause.

4. Rejection Is Never Personal

Rejection doesn’t mean you’re unworthy. It simply means your offer, idea, or timing didn’t align.

Every successful person has faced rejection repeatedly. What separates them is persistence and perspective. They see rejection as feedback, not failure. The faster you learn that truth, the faster you’ll grow.

5. Women Value Comfort and Security

Understanding women requires maturity and empathy.

Through books, lectures, and personal growth, I’ve learned that most women desire a man who is grounded, intelligent, confident, emotionally stable, and consistent. Some want humor, others intellect, but nearly all want to feel safe and supported.

Instead of chasing attention, work on self-improvement. Build competence and confidence, and the rest will follow naturally.

6. There’s No Such Thing as Failure, Only Lessons

A powerful lesson from Neuro-Linguistic Programming: failure only exists when you stop trying.

Every mistake brings data. Every setback builds wisdom. The most successful men aren’t fearless. They’ve simply learned to act despite fear.

Be proud of your scars. They’re proof you were brave enough to try.

7. Public Speaking Is an Art Form

Public speaking is one of the most valuable and underrated skills a man can master.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection. The best speakers tell stories, inspire confidence, and make people feel seen. They research deeply, speak honestly, and practice relentlessly.

If you can speak well, you can lead, sell, teach, and inspire. Start small, practice at work, in class, or even in front of a mirror, and watch your confidence skyrocket.

8. Teaching Is Leadership in Disguise

Great teachers are not just knowledgeable. They’re brave, compassionate, and disciplined.

Teaching forces you to articulate what you know, and in doing so, you master it at a deeper level. Whether you’re mentoring a peer, leading a team, or sharing insights online, teaching refines your purpose.

Lifelong learners become lifelong leaders.

9. Study Human Nature to Achieve Your Dreams

One of the toughest lessons to accept: most people are self-interested.

That’s not cynicism, it’s human nature. Understanding this helps you navigate relationships, business, and communication more effectively.

Everyone has a darker side, but successful people learn to channel theirs productively into discipline, creativity, and drive.

Psychology isn’t just theory; it’s a toolkit. Learn how people think, act, and decide, and you’ll know how to lead them, influence them, and even understand yourself better.

Final Thoughts

The digital age offers endless opportunities, but only to those who are willing to take responsibility, confront discomfort, and keep improving.

Becoming a man today means embracing the hard truths most avoid.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about luck. It’s about who you become when life tests you the most.

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Change Your Mindset

Work-Life Balance Isn’t a Myth: Here’s How to Actually Make It Happen

Work stress doesn’t have to win, here’s how to protect your peace and thrive in any workplace.

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Image Credit: Midjourney

Starting a new job often comes with excitement and ambition. Yet, beneath that initial enthusiasm, many employees quickly encounter the reality of workplace challenges, especially stress. (more…)

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Change Your Mindset

The Four Types of Happiness: Which One Are You Living In?

Most people chase success only to find emptiness, this model reveals why true happiness lies somewhere else.

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happiness model explained
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In a world driven by rapid technological growth and constant competition, many people unknowingly trade joy for achievement. (more…)

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