The Harbor - The First 10%

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the challenges of initiating new endeavors, particularly the initial 10%, which is often marked by difficulties and feelings of loneliness. They stress the importance of understanding one's 'why' for starting a project and surrounding oneself with supportive people. The speaker also cautions against comparing one's journey to the curated images on social media, advocating for genuine hard work and perseverance. They encourage viewers to seek mentorship and learn from the struggles of others to overcome the initial hurdles and gain a deeper understanding of oneself.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Starting something new is challenging, especially in the first 10% where many obstacles arise.
• 💡 The initial phase is often misunderstood because the original plan doesn't always go as expected.
• 🤔 Many people start ventures for monetary gain rather than passion, which can lead to difficulties in the initial stages.
• 🏗️ The speaker's experience building a skate park took much longer than anticipated, illustrating the reality of starting something new.
• 🔥 Persistence is key, driven by remembering the 'why' behind the endeavor, which can help overcome the initial hurdles.
• 🤝 Surrounding oneself with the right people, such as friends and mentors, can provide support and guidance during tough times.
• 😟 It's common to feel lonely and overwhelmed during the first 10% of starting something new.
• 📸 Beware of comparing your journey to others' curated social media posts, as they may not reflect the true challenges.
• 💪 The courage to start something new is essential, especially when no one else has done what you're attempting.
• 📈 The first 10% is a learning phase filled with failure and pain, but it's also where you grow the most.
• 👥 Building a network of people who are actively creating and doing can inspire and help you achieve your goals.

Q & A

What is the main challenge mentioned in the script when starting something new?

The main challenge mentioned is the first 10 percent of starting something new, where everything seems to go wrong, it's more difficult than expected, takes more time, and can feel lonely.

Why is it important to understand your 'why' when starting something new?

Understanding your 'why' is crucial because it helps you stay motivated and committed during the difficult first stages of starting something new.

What role do friends and mentors play in overcoming the challenges of the first 10 percent?

Friends and mentors provide support, guidance, and help in overcoming hurdles by offering advice and encouragement during the challenging initial phase.

Why do some people struggle with the first 10 percent of starting a company or brand?

Some people struggle because they may be motivated by money rather than passion for the brand, which can make the initial challenges more daunting.

What is the significance of the skate park example in the script?

The skate park example illustrates the speaker's personal experience of the difficulties and time-consuming nature of starting a project, and how reminding oneself of the 'why' can help persevere.

How does the script suggest dealing with the loneliness that comes with starting something new?

The script suggests surrounding oneself with the right people, such as friends and mentors, to help combat the loneliness and provide support.

What is the advice given for not getting discouraged by others' appearances of success on social media?

The advice is to not compare oneself to others' 'hustle' or 'grind' on social media, as these may not reflect the reality of their experiences.

Why is it important to focus on the work you put in rather than the attention you receive?

Focusing on the work you put in is important because it's the true measure of your effort and progress, not the attention or recognition you receive.

What does the script suggest is where true grit and self-discovery happen?

True grit and self-discovery happen during the first 10 percent of any endeavor, especially when no one is paying attention or watching.

What is the common reason people quit during the first 10 percent of a new endeavor?

People often quit during the first 10 percent because they find the task too difficult and choose the easier option instead.

How can surrounding oneself with the right people help in starting something new?

Surrounding oneself with people who are actively doing things can provide inspiration, practical advice, and support, which are crucial for overcoming the initial challenges.