Grind for a decade, no one cares for 7.5 yrs & hates you for remaining 2.5 yrs: Altman
As the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman has had a storied career in the tech industry. However, in a recent post on his social media account, he shared a candid and relatable anecdote about his life’s journey. Altman wrote, “Be me,” and proceeded to share his experience of working at the AI startup, highlighting the significant highs and lows he faced along the way.
According to Altman, after dedicating 10 years to his work, people’s reactions to him changed dramatically. He claimed that for the first 7.5 years, most people didn’t care about his endeavors. They didn’t know what he was working on or didn’t think it was significant enough to warrant attention. Altman described this phase as a period of “grind,” where he was pouring his heart and soul into his work without receiving much recognition or appreciation.
However, things took a drastic turn after the 7.5-year mark. Suddenly, people began to take notice of Altman’s work, and they started to care. But, this newfound attention came with a twist. Instead of being appreciated for his dedication and perseverance, Altman claimed that many people began to hate him for remaining committed to his vision.
“Wake up one day to hundreds of messages…” he wrote, “Look, I made you into a twink Ghibli style.” This post suggests that Altman had received a significant amount of attention and recognition, which came with both positive and negative responses. While some people were thrilled to learn about his work and achievements, others seemed to resent him for his success.
Altman’s post has sparked a lot of discussion and reflection among people who have followed similar paths. Many have shared their own experiences of being ignored or overlooked for a significant period before finally receiving recognition. Others have commiserated with Altman, acknowledging that the journey to success is often marked by periods of obscurity and uncertainty.
The post has also raised questions about the nature of success and the expectations that come with it. Why do people tend to care more about others when they achieve a certain level of success, rather than appreciating their hard work and dedication from the beginning? Why do we often judge people based on their outcomes rather than their efforts?
As we reflect on Altman’s experience, it’s clear that success is not a straightforward or linear process. It’s a journey marked by ups and downs, twists and turns. While it’s natural to feel frustrated or resentful when others don’t recognize our efforts, it’s essential to remember that success is not solely defined by external validation.
Altman’s post serves as a reminder that true success comes from within. It’s about staying committed to our goals and values, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. It’s about persevering through the grind, knowing that the fruits of our labor will eventually bear fruit.
In conclusion, Sam Altman’s candid post has given us a glimpse into the highs and lows of his journey as the CEO of OpenAI. His experience serves as a reminder that success is not a destination, but a process. It’s about the grind, the dedication, and the perseverance that comes with staying committed to our goals and values.
