Section 1.1: Embracing Reality

In July 2023, Buster Benson released a piece titled "New Partner Program Incentives Focus on High-Quality Human Writing."

He noted that among authors earning $10 or more, approximately 65% made between $10-$100, 29% earned between $100-$1000, and only 6% surpassed $1000.

With no significant changes in the program, I find myself in the top 6% of creators within the Medium Partner Program.

Over the past four years, my content has garnered over 4 million views.

However, my journey hasn't always been this successful.

Between 2015 and 2019, I was involved in a religious cult.

During those challenging times, the leader emphasized unwavering faith in God: “Surrender everything to the church; trust that God will provide.”

For three years, I embraced this mindset, but during a particularly low moment, I confronted a harsh truth.

I was unable to afford bus fare for college, yet as a leader in the church, I often received extravagant gifts.

I found myself riding the bus in designer clothes while struggling to get by.

When the inspector boarded, I fled, calling another leader for £3 to reach school.

That incident was a wake-up call.

I pondered, “I live according to God's teachings, yet my life is in shambles. Why is this happening? I can’t even manage to get to college, yet I’m supposed to lead others.”

It struck me that despite being a Christian, I had never read the Bible fully, so I resolved to change that.

In February 2018, I read the entire Bible in 28 days.

My biggest revelation was that the universe (or God, however you wish to refer) desires the best for me—but I must define what that "best" entails.

This applies to you as well; only you can determine what a fulfilling life means for you.

Avoiding the truth allows others to shape your version of a "good life."

In my case, the cult leader had ulterior motives.

But this could resonate with you too—perhaps it’s a toxic relationship or an unsupportive work environment.

When you fail to articulate what constitutes a "good life," someone else will do it for you.

The path to defining a fulfilling life is to acknowledge the truth of your circumstances.

Recognize that you might not be where you aspire to be, that your body may not reflect your ideal image, or that your relationship may lack happiness.

Only by accepting reality can you pave the way for transformation.

Acknowledging your current state opens the door to seeking new solutions, leading to quicker progress.

Section 1.2: The Power of Selective Ignorance

You, like many, may fall prey to the paradox of choice.

When faced with an overwhelming array of options, your decision-making can suffer.

While having a variety of choices can enhance your subjective well-being, this effect diminishes once you exceed a certain limit.

Beyond that point, you may experience paralysis and fatigue in decision-making.

Essentially, you are most effective when your options are limited.

When you eliminate unnecessary distractions, you can better focus your efforts.

Too much information can scatter your thoughts and elevate stress levels.

As Benjamin Hardy puts it, “Your inputs shape your outlook.”

To enhance your focus, intentionally ignore what doesn't serve your goals.

This concept aligns with Albert Einstein’s view that you don’t need to know everything, just where to find what’s necessary when needed.

Top achievers concentrate on information that enhances their thinking, focus, and chances of success, remaining strategically unaware of irrelevant details.

Section 2.1: Implementing Forcing Functions

Benjamin Hardy aptly states, “You’re always either rising or falling to the demands of your situation.”

This implies that without pressing circumstances urging improvement, you may remain stagnant.

Often, people experience significant growth only after hitting rock bottom—“the only way is up.”

However, you shouldn’t wait for such moments to instigate change; you can create conditions that demand action, known as forcing functions.

These are situational elements that compel you to achieve a particular outcome.

For instance, I took a £10,000 loan to invest in my online business, and I must repay it soon, which leaves no room for procrastination.

Similarly, Matt Gray leads mentorship sessions where participants expect substantial value in return.

This accountability acts as a forcing function, motivating him to deliver.

Forcing functions effectively outsource your willpower to the circumstances around you.

Section 2.2: Elevating the Stakes

A mentor once quipped, “If you want to get rich quickly, have a child.”

While he was joking, it highlighted a deeper truth—great responsibility can lead to powerful motivation.

Consider the lesson from Spider-Man, where Uncle Ben states, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

However, I believe the reverse is more accurate: “With great responsibility comes great power.”

When you embrace responsibility for your outcomes, you gain the ability to change them.

For example, acknowledging, “I’m not earning $10,000 per month due to my actions,” empowers you to take control.

In contrast, blaming external factors limits your agency.

My mentor’s jest about parenthood underscores that when you take on significant responsibilities, you unlock immense power.

When the stakes are raised, you become unstoppable.

What are the consequences of inaction?

For one person, it may mean not achieving their desires, while for another, it could mean enduring a life dictated by others.

Naturally, the latter will feel more compelled to take action.

By amplifying the consequences of your actions, you increase your motivation to fulfill your commitments.

This healthy pressure can propel you into what Lev Vygotsky termed the “Zone of Proximal Development,” where you grow stronger and more committed.