Why do people need to choose a direction that doesn't make them uncomfortable when they reach middle age?Many migrant workers feel extremely miserable at work, and every day at work is as heavy as going to a cemetery, and they can't help but want to do it when they see their boss (of course, most of them still control it sensibly). After they go home, they want to start a side hustle, but they are often deceived by the so-called "big names" on the Internet, always doing things they don't like, and choosing a direction that makes them more uncomfortable. For example, some finance people hate finance work, but their side hustle turns out to be doing finance for other companies part-time. I have lost my freedom at work, but I didn't expect it to be the same on my side hustle. They think that's the only way to make money.
However, in fact, when a person chooses a direction that makes him uncomfortable, this emotion often affects the people with whom he interacts as well. Just like writing an article, the emotions and feelings of the writer while writing are easily conveyed to the reader.
So, how do you choose a direction that doesn't make you uncomfortable?There is a principle to refer to: what do you want to do without any pressure?
In my own case, I love to talk, but I don't want to deal with people and relationships. So, it's a good fit for me to record** and post online, and writing and telling books are what I enjoy. It's a way I love and make money.
It's only when we truly enjoy something that we can stick with it and make great progress.
Whether it is self-employment, part-time work or entrepreneurship, we should choose the direction we are really interested in and like. Don't worry too much about the amount of income, happiness and satisfaction are the most important things. I have several former colleagues who have passed away who, despite their successful careers and a lot of money, were not happy and even passed away before the age of 50. This proves once again that money does not bring all happiness.
What is the first principle of self-a**?
The answer is: avoid losing money.
This may sound like an obvious nonsense, but in reality a lot of people don't realize it. Many people start to buy new equipment, but this is not a wise decision.
It's better to use the resources you already have and think about how you can get things done without buying new equipment. For example, I started teaching books in September 2017 and have published more than 80,000 minutes of audio work online by 2023. The most expensive microphone I used was a Ruder Microphone that I purchased on January 28, 2019, which cost 480 yuan and has not been replaced since. This microphone accounts for less than 1% of my storytelling income.
As with everything else, the most important thing is to start moving, avoid losses, and stick to it. While this principle may seem simple, it actually stands in the way of many people.
More than one person I know said that they wanted to do it themselves, and then bought a lot of equipment, but they didn't stick to it, and in the end the equipment was all wasted. While wasting some money may not be a big deal, this way of doing things can hit the self-confidence of middle-aged people.
My own earliest attempt at recording ** shows was in 2015, when it was recorded intermittently, and it was not until 2019 that I started updating daily, and then in October 2023 I started updating 5 to 10 ** per day. I didn't sign up for any training courses, and I didn't buy any additional equipment such as cameras. In the process, I only violated the law once, was deducted 50% of my credit points, and was mistakenly banned by the system for 90 days on another occasion.
As long as you are in the right direction, groping your way forward may be slower, but it is far better than running all the way in the wrong direction. Therefore, when doing self-improvement, don't blindly follow the trend to buy new equipment, but start with the resources at hand, find a way that suits you and stick to it.