Grind for a decade, no one cares for 7.5 yrs & hates you for remaining 2.5 yrs: Altman
In a recent post on social media, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, shared a candid and relatable account of his experiences while working at the AI startup. In a humorous and introspective tone, Altman wrote about the highs and lows of his decade-long journey, highlighting the often-overlooked realities of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Altman’s post began with a self-deprecating remark, encouraging his followers to “be me” for a day. He then went on to describe the grind he had been on for the past decade, stating that after his 10-year effort, most people didn’t care about the first 7.5 years but hated him for the remaining 2.5 years. This poignant observation highlights the often-grossly misunderstood concept of success and failure in the world of entrepreneurship.
It’s easy to romanticize the idea of building a successful startup or creating a groundbreaking innovation. We often see the end result – a successful product, a lucrative exit, or a prestigious award – and assume that the journey was smooth sailing. However, Altman’s post serves as a stark reminder that the reality is often far from it.
The first 7.5 years of Altman’s journey were marked by hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He poured his heart and soul into building OpenAI, and while his efforts may have gone unnoticed by the outside world, he was driven by a passion for his work. He was building something new, something innovative, and something that had the potential to change the world.
But then, something changed. The remaining 2.5 years of Altman’s journey were marked by a different kind of attention. Suddenly, people took notice. Investors started knocking on his door, seeking to get in on the action. The media began to take an interest, profiling him and his company in major publications. And the public started to care, eagerly following updates on the progress of OpenAI.
This is where the hate comes in. Altman’s post suggests that the sudden attention and scrutiny can be overwhelming, and that many people begin to resent him for his success. They may feel left out, or like they didn’t get in on the ground floor. They may start to question his motives, wondering why he’s making so much money or receiving so much attention.
Altman’s post also included a humorous anecdote, where he woke up to hundreds of messages on social media, all praising his latest achievement. One message in particular caught his eye – “Look, I made you into a twink Ghibli style” – a nod to the popular animated film studio. This message, while lighthearted, serves as a reminder that even in the midst of success, there will always be people who don’t understand or appreciate what you’re doing.
In the world of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype and the attention. It’s easy to let the praise and the recognition go to your head. But Altman’s post serves as a reminder that true success is not about the attention or the accolades – it’s about the work you put in, the problems you solve, and the people you help.
As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle of grind, hustle, and repeat. We pour our hearts and souls into our work, driven by a passion to make a difference. And when that work pays off, we’re often met with a mix of emotions – pride, relief, and a sense of accomplishment.
But Altman’s post also serves as a reminder that success is fleeting. The attention and the praise may come and go, but the work remains. The grind, the hustle, and the repeat are constant, and it’s up to us to stay focused on our goals.
In conclusion, Sam Altman’s post is a refreshing and relatable account of the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It’s a reminder that success is not a destination, but a journey, and that the grind, hustle, and repeat are essential components of any successful venture. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an innovator, or simply someone with a passion for making a difference, Altman’s post is a must-read.
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