Grind for a decade, no one cares for 7.5 yrs & hates you for remaining 2.5 yrs: Altman
The life of a startup founder is never easy. The long hours, endless stress, and constant pressure to succeed can take a toll on even the strongest of individuals. But what happens when you’ve spent a decade dedicated to your work, only to realize that most people don’t care about the first 7.5 years of your journey? And to make matters worse, they start to hate you for the remaining 2.5 years? This is the harsh reality that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently shared with his followers on social media.
Altman, in a candid post, reflected on his decade-long journey at the AI startup. He wrote, “Be me,” and shared his thoughts on how people perceive his work. According to him, after a 10-year grind, most people don’t care about the first 7.5 years of his journey. But, as he continued to work towards his goals, he noticed a drastic change in people’s attitudes towards him. Instead of being apathetic, they started to hate him for the remaining 2.5 years.
It’s a sobering realization, to say the least. After dedicating years of hard work and dedication to your craft, it can be disheartening to feel like your efforts are going unnoticed. But what’s even more surprising is that people’s opinions can shift so drastically, from indifference to outright hostility.
So, what can we learn from Altman’s experience? For one, it’s a reminder that success is not always linear. There will be times when your hard work goes unnoticed, and there will be times when people start to take notice, but not always in a positive way. It’s essential to be prepared for both scenarios and to focus on your goals rather than seeking external validation.
Another important lesson is the importance of perseverance. Altman’s story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Despite the fact that people may not care about his work for most of his journey, he continued to push forward, driven by his passion and vision. And it’s precisely this kind of perseverance that has led to his success today.
But what about the people who start to hate him for his remaining 2.5 years? Perhaps this is a reminder that success can also be a double-edged sword. As Altman’s work gains more attention and recognition, he may encounter more criticism and scrutiny. It’s a trade-off that many entrepreneurs and innovators face, and it’s essential to be prepared for the negative attention that comes with success.
Altman’s story also highlights the importance of self-motivation. As a founder, it’s easy to get caught up in the opinions of others, but it’s crucial to remember that your motivations should come from within. While it’s natural to seek validation and recognition, it’s essential to stay focused on your goals and not let external opinions dictate your journey.
In conclusion, Altman’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that come with pursuing a startup journey. While it’s easy to get discouraged by the indifference or hostility of others, it’s essential to stay focused on your goals and persevere through the tough times. By doing so, you can build a successful career and achieve your dreams, even in the face of adversity.
News Source: https://x.com/sama/status/1904921537884676398
