Easy Come, Easy Go: Understanding the Universal Law of Money & Success - Why You Should Stop Reading News

Easy Come, Easy Go: Understanding the Universal Law of Money & Success - Why You Should Stop Reading News

In the pursuit of success, there are certain universal laws that we must understand and embrace. One such law is the concept of "Easy Come, Easy Go." This law suggests that those who achieve success easily, whether it be in high school or early in their careers, often struggle to maintain that success in the long run. This phenomenon, also known as the "High School Hero" Syndrome, can be attributed to a lack of continued learning and personal growth.

It is often observed that individuals who excel in high school, such as being the captain of the football team or the class valedictorian, may not perform well in college or later in life. This is because they become complacent, believing that their initial success was solely due to their intelligence or inherent abilities. As a result, they become hesitant to take risks and make mistakes that could potentially threaten their self-image of being successful.

On the other hand, those who have earned their success through hardships and numerous ups and downs in life are more likely to retain their wealth and accomplishments. These individuals understand the value of perseverance and resilience. They have experienced failure and understand that success is not instantaneous. The path to success is often filled with obstacles and challenges that require patience and long-term thinking.

It is important to recognize that true success rarely happens overnight. Many of the so-called "overnight successes" that we hear about have actually spent years honing their skills and working tirelessly towards their goals. Take, for example, the founder of Instacart, whose current success is the result of his eighth or ninth startup. Similarly, many of the unicorns in investment portfolios have struggled for seven to eight years before achieving their breakthrough. The big success stories of the future are currently toiling in obscurity, putting in the necessary time and effort to build something great.

This insight highlights the importance of ambition and aggressiveness in pursuing our dreams. However, it also emphasizes the need for patience and resilience. We must be willing to stay in the game and weather the storms that come our way. Good things take time, and there is no shortcut to success.

In a world where news consumption is rampant, it is crucial to question the value and impact of the information we consume. The more news we consume, the more misinformed we become. As news becomes easier to distribute and cheaper to produce, the quality has decreased while the quantity has increased. This abundance of news makes it nearly impossible to find the signal amidst the noise.

The primary goal of news outlets is to generate page views and increase revenue. This leads to a focus on controversial and shareable content, often designed to provoke emotional responses. Unfortunately, most of what we read online today is ultimately pointless. It does not contribute to living a good life or helping us make better decisions. It lacks depth and meaningful information that can truly help us understand the world and connect with others.

When we step back from news consumption, we begin to notice how misinformed those who constantly consume news are. They tend to cherry-pick information and give it undue weight in forming their opinions. Instead of seeking feedback from reality, they rely on the validation of others' opinions. This reliance on external sources of thought inhibits our ability to think critically and make informed decisions.

Stepping away from news consumption can be challenging, as we often fear silence and being alone with our thoughts. However, it is a necessary step in reclaiming control over our attention and mental space. If we choose to engage with the news, it is important to focus on facts and data rather than opinions. Winifred Gallagher aptly said, "Few things are as important to your quality of life as your choices about how to spend the precious resource of your free time."

In conclusion, understanding the universal law of "Easy Come, Easy Go" reminds us of the importance of continued learning and personal growth. It cautions against complacency and urges us to remain ambitious, aggressive, and patient in our pursuit of success. Additionally, recognizing the detrimental effects of excessive news consumption encourages us to be mindful of the information we consume and to prioritize facts and data over opinions. To apply these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace lifelong learning: Never stop seeking knowledge and personal growth. Success is not a destination but a journey that requires continuous education and improvement.

2. Cultivate patience and resilience: Understand that true success takes time and is often accompanied by failures and setbacks. Stay in the game, weather the storms, and keep moving forward.

3. Be selective in your information consumption: Evaluate the quality and relevance of the news you consume. Focus on facts and data that contribute to your understanding of the world, rather than getting caught up in sensationalized opinions.

By understanding these principles and taking actionable steps, we can navigate the complexities of money, success, and information consumption more effectively, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.