Chapter 1: The Value of the Journey

Instead of practicing solely to earn money, focus on the enriching experience of self-discovery and growth.

In today's world, the role of money is undeniably crucial. It influences our lives, shapes our daily experiences, and dictates our interactions. Many individuals engage in services, trading their skills and knowledge for financial rewards. This transactional system has become fundamental to society as it motivates individuals to develop talents and abilities that can yield income. With the multifaceted nature of contemporary life, there are endless skills to master, allowing for significant contributions to society and, subsequently, the potential for financial gain. Consequently, many dedicate their lives to refining particular skills in pursuit of monetary stability.

However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes clear that money might not be the ultimate objective. Relying solely on financial gain as your destination can lead to a tumultuous journey. The significance of money is both subjective and fluctuating. While it’s true that everyone values money to some extent, it shouldn't be the driving force behind your personal and professional development.

Imagine you dream of becoming a top-tier animator, writer, or doctor, with the primary goal of generating income from your talents. Just a year into your journey, an enticing paid opportunity arises. It's tempting to accept. Yet, have you considered where you might stand five years later? You may find only slight advancements in both your financial status and skill set. In this scenario, money can distort your perception of growth.

Although essential as a resource and a solution to problems, money can also serve as a distraction. Constantly shifting your attention from one opportunity to another may yield financial rewards but won't necessarily ensure a meaningful impact on society.

True financial success often arises from offering such distinctive value that you become indispensable in your field. This requires aspiring to be a polymath—someone with diverse knowledge and skills. The path to mastery demands extensive practice, commitment, and often, sacrifices that feel deeply personal. Yet, the rewards can be transformative—not just in terms of wealth, but also in the lasting impact you make on society.

Many pursue various fields with the sole intention of making money. They feign commitment without putting in the necessary effort, and while they may earn a bit, they often struggle to maintain a sustainable career.

I encountered this firsthand three years ago while writing on Medium. My primary focus was financial gain, which ultimately led to an unsustainable writing practice. When faced with challenges, I resorted to unethical methods, compiling content from various sources to create my own blogs. This strategy worked temporarily, earning me $400 in six months—a sum that seemed substantial at the time. However, I could not sustain my writing career because my success relied on deception.

Instead, engage in practice not for immediate financial rewards, but to immerse yourself in the journey of becoming—appreciating the process itself.

When you practice without the expectation of quick monetary returns but with the goal of refining your skills, you lessen the likelihood of distractions. As you develop and master your abilities, you will create a unique footprint in the world that captures attention.

A key factor to consider is that your work should not only be consistent but also impactful for others. Whether your output entertains, educates, or resonates, it should leave a meaningful mark. As an artist, aim to create works that inspire or provoke thought. As a writer, strive to craft pieces that challenge or connect with your audience. For copywriters, produce compelling content that genuinely assists your readers. Software engineers should focus on creating tools that simplify tasks and enhance productivity. Doctors should aim to improve the lives of their patients.

Ultimately, regardless of your profession, strive to positively influence the lives of others through your work.

When your practice revolves around serving others, financial rewards will naturally follow. The experience of evolving within your field is fulfilling in itself. It transcends mere wealth accumulation; it’s about building a sense of community and contributing to the greater good. Mastery is achieved when one detaches from the results of their efforts.

A deed is defined as an action that anticipates a certain outcome. When someone undertakes a deed seeking pleasure, wealth, or praise, they become bound by the expected results—this binding expectation can lead to failure in achieving true mastery.

In truth, a person is not constrained by a deed; it is the expectation associated with it that confines them.

If you desire victory in a struggle, the fear of defeat can lead to profound disappointment, driving you to seek alternative paths to success. Conversely, if you achieve victory, it may inflate your ego, pushing you toward worldly success and potentially leading you to pursue shortcuts.

If, in this conflict, you harbor no desire to win and possess no fear of losing, would you experience joy or sorrow upon its conclusion?

Neither joy nor sorrow.

Thus, your feelings of happiness, sadness, hopelessness, or arrogance stem not from outcomes themselves, but from the expectations you place upon them.

Detach yourself from expectations regarding your outcomes, and instead, relish the process of being and accomplishing tasks.

True growth occurs when one ceases to seek validation for victories and fears loss. The focus should shift toward enjoying the learning journey. This cycle of enjoyment, learning, and improvement should be repeated until mastery is achieved.

The first video, "Practice any art... to make your soul grow," emphasizes the transformative power of engaging deeply with your craft, highlighting the importance of personal growth over financial gain.

The second video, "How Pewdiepie Became A Better Artist Than Half The Art Community Overnight," showcases the journey of an individual who prioritized skill development and authenticity over mere financial success.

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