Theory vs reality

Of course, the most ideal way to write a book is to live in a cabin in the woods with no distractions. 

Of course, the optimal way to get a fit body is to work out twice each day and eat an organic, measured diet. 

Of course, the most efficient way to retire is to grind out a brilliant startup idea, then sell it for tens of millions of dollars after a few years. 

There’s just one problem with all of these. You don’t have the time, money, or opportunity for any of them. The internet shows us the most optimal version of whatever we desire. There’s some influencer out there who only does one thing. They optimize their entire life for writing or fitness or business, and they tell you their way is the best way. 

But you have a different life. You don’t have a cabin in the woods—you have a job you need to keep to pay the bills. You don’t have four hours to work out every day, and a perfect organic diet—you have 30 minutes after work. You don’t have a brilliant startup idea, or the funding to pursue it—you have a humble business idea that you can bootstrap in your free time. 

Sure, these optimal approaches might be the most optimal in theory. But they aren’t the most optimal for you. The most optimal approach for you is using the time you have today to make a little bit of progress. To write a few hundred words. To get a little exercise. To work on your business. 

There’s a big difference between theory and reality. Stop chasing idealized, optimized theory. Start chasing real, incremental results.