Build a business, or be happy?

37 replies
Hi, guys!

I work online for about 20 hours a week, and I would say I'm making 3 times what the "average" person makes a month in my country (I'm not located in the USA).

I am experiencing a lot of inner friction...

One part of me says: "Look at all these other online entrepreneurs making a killing. You are being lazy and getting left behind!"

Another part of me says: "Look at all these 'average' people around you - they work for minimum wage at jobs they hate, and they have no time or energy left - you have it great!"

Some days I wonder if I'm just not "wired" for super success.

I also try to stay focused on "overall happiness", which is often very different from "building a successful business at all costs." I feel that, very often, business owners become prisoners in their businesses, and they damage their health, or have no time and energy left for "life".

What do you think?

Thanks in advance for any insights you can give!
#build #business #happy
  • Profile picture of the author danieldesai
    Originally Posted by perneali45 View Post

    I also try to stay focused on "overall happiness", which is often very different from "building a successful business at all costs." I feel that, very often, business owners become prisoners in their businesses, and they damage their health, or have no time and energy left for "life".
    In the case of a situation like you mentioned above, I would advise someone to do the following:

    - Start outsourcing more of the processes in your business or even hire a virtual assistant/manager to help run your business so you can have more time for you.

    - Create working hours that aren't too hectic, and find maybe an hour to do something you genuinely enjoy. This should be daily, and the balance of work/downtime that works best will vary wildly depending on the individual.

    - Treat yourself to a "splurge" or fun day once in a while, whatever it is that makes you happy. For me, that's watching over old movies, reading a nice fiction book (hey, I need to escape reality a bit), and having an intense training day with friends who are also into fitness and martial arts.

    Regards,
    Daniel
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Originally Posted by danieldesai View Post

      In the case of a situation like you mentioned above, I would advise someone to do the following:
      - Start outsourcing more of the processes in your business or even hire a virtual assistant/manager to help run your business so you can have more time for you.

      Daniel
      He is feeling guilty not having to work as hard as others in his country. Only 20 hours a week, does he really need to outsource anything ?

      Happiness is not a constant so get over it. People are not happy 24-7. Eeven very successful people all have challenges throughout their life. Don't buy into lies that the world is perfect or you should feel guilty that you have easier then others.

      If you want set a goal how you can help people in the world and give some earnings to a charity or volunteer some time. Don't forget to set yourself up for the future if you have a family or if something happens to you. If you can not work you still will need money.
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      • Profile picture of the author danieldesai
        Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

        He is feeling guilty not having to work as hard as others in his country. Only 20 hours a week, does he really need to outsource anything ?
        I'm aware of that.

        Re-read my post, I quite clearly put into quotes what I was referring to:

        Originally Posted by perneali45 View Post

        I also try to stay focused on "overall happiness", which is often very different from "building a successful business at all costs." I feel that, very often, business owners become prisoners in their businesses, and they damage their health, or have no time and energy left for "life".
        But yes, I agree with you on the OP's situation.

        He doesn't need to outsource anything, and he's doing a fantastic job of balancing business and real living.

        Regards,
        Daniel
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        • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
          I read what you posted more than once. He feels guilty and if he is young he can bring somebody on in the future. But at this time outsourcing seems to be the least of his worries, that is why I did not quote the rest of the post. It was good for the most part. But just disagree with one statement.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    Sounds to me like you have a good thing going. Having time for friends and family - time for adventures and hobbies - and naps and reading. The ability to work 20 hr/week and provide for your needs is a GOOD thing - enjoy it.

    So WHAT if you are not wired for "super success"? Is there some rule that says you MUST accomplish as much work as you can possibly do? Or that you MUST earn as much money as you can possibly earn? If there is such a rule, I break it every day. The purpose of "work" is to earn money to "LIVE" - the less you work, the more time there is for living.

    Finding the work/life balance is one reason so many of us like to work online. The goal of so many new marketers is to (work less and earn more). Pat yourself on the back - you reached that goal.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

      Sounds to me like you have a good thing going. Having time for friends and family - time for adventures and hobbies - and naps and reading. The ability to work 20 hr/week and provide for your needs is a GOOD thing - enjoy it.

      So WHAT if you are not wired for "super success"? Is there some rule that says you MUST accomplish as much work as you can possibly do? Or that you MUST earn as much money as you can possibly earn? If there is such a rule, I break it every day. The purpose of "work" is to earn money to "LIVE" - the less you work, the more time there is for living.

      Finding the work/life balance is one reason so many of us like to work online. The goal of so many new marketers is to (work less and earn more). Pat yourself on the back - you reached that goal.
      Totally agree with Kay !!

      In Life it comes down to one thing and one thing ONLY....are you finding True Enrichment ?

      Think about it ...that is all that matters.
      And quite honestly some people think this Enrichment and Fulfillment comes solely from the mighty dollar.

      Unfortunately, many will find out sooner or later they are sorely mistaken


      - Robert Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author JC Web
    Don't let other people determine how much money you should make (the exception to this would be if you had children that you couldn't properly care for, which it doesn't sound like would be the case here).

    Despite what a lot of marketers on sites like this want to get people to believe, making money for the sake of making money is really meaningless. If you have enough money to live what you consider to be a comfortable life, then you are making enough.

    I was at an event where the speaker asked, "Who here wants to learn how to become a billionaire?" I was the only person who didn't raise my hand. Everyone stared at me like something was wrong with me. Didn't bother me at all. It's not my goal to be a billionaire. Plus, none of them are likely to become billionaires anyway.

    Now, I wouldn't turn down a billion dollars if someone gave it to me, but I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen. If I ever do make that much money, I will give the vast majority of it away. After a certain point, money can't add anything to your life.

    If you don't have enough to provide for yourself and anyone who is dependent on you, then money can make a big difference. But once you have a comfortable life, more money adds very little, if anything, to it.

    The only question I would have for you (and it's a question you only have to answer for yourself - you don't have to answer me), is whether you are unhappy with what you are doing for those 20 hours you are currently working. If you dread those 20 hours, then work on changing that. Otherwise, do what makes you happy with the rest of your time and keep doing what you are doing as long as it keeps working for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lucian Lada
    You haven't told us how old you are and if you have a family. I think this would affect the answer quite a bit.

    If you're young, I'd suggest to bust your rear end now since you have no obligations and your health can still take it. With time, you'll learn to outsource or just focus on the good parts to earn just as much with less effort.

    If you're not young, well, I have no advice for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author perneali45
    Thanks for the replies, everyone!

    Just to clarify:

    I'm not feeling guilty, because I don't have to work as much as others around me "in real life" - I have busted my butt to build up to this point, have taken many risks and sacrificed a lot. I have gone waaaay out of my comfort zone than most people I know (not counting successful online entrepreneurs).

    I guess the one thing I feel uneasy with is that I "could" work even more and make even more money - I just don't do it. This makes me feel like an underachiever.

    Thanks again for all the replies, I appreciate it!
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    • Profile picture of the author danieldesai
      Originally Posted by perneali45 View Post

      I guess the one thing I feel uneasy with is that I "could" work even more and make even more money - I just don't do it. This makes me feel like an underachiever.
      If you're an underachiever, I'd shudder to think what most people are (myself included).

      On that note, congratulations on reaching where you did, and you don't need to feel uneasy...

      If you're genuinely happy, that's the most important thing.

      Thanks for sharing your success, it's quite motivational and I appreciate hearing it.

      Daniel
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    • Profile picture of the author enderZ
      What do you want in life?

      Once you will be able to phrase it to yourself everything will become clearer. Many times work is an aim to a goal. If you would say "all I want is more time with my family" then things are simple, keep the 20 hours/week deal , it fulfills your goal.

      If your goal is to "buy the biggest hours in the city" (or financial security/creating a business that supports the community/etc), then you are crazy for staying with this 20 hours/week deal.

      If your goal is happiness then it is a bit more complicated, cause you need to discover what can increase your happiness (it is not necessarily what makes you happy).

      Find your goal find you answers.
      Save the cheerleader, save the world.

      Originally Posted by perneali45 View Post

      Thanks for the replies, everyone!

      Just to clarify:

      I'm not feeling guilty, because I don't have to work as much as others around me "in real life" - I have busted my butt to build up to this point, have taken many risks and sacrificed a lot. I have gone waaaay out of my comfort zone than most people I know (not counting successful online entrepreneurs).

      I guess the one thing I feel uneasy with is that I "could" work even more and make even more money - I just don't do it. This makes me feel like an underachiever.

      Thanks again for all the replies, I appreciate it!
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      If you have a WHY you can go through almost any HOW

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  • Profile picture of the author Verdatti
    Why not aiming for both?

    Most important thing is that you're happy. But if you can delegate the tasks you don't like and work on the things that really interest you you might be happy and build a solid business at the same time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr Bill
    The two are not mutually exclusive. You're already a success and need to look internally at what you want and how much freedom your current success is bringing you. The more successful you are the more you can help other people. There's no need to feel guilty, there's no need to become a millionaire and there's definitely no need to compare yourself to anyone else.

    Stop worrying, you're doing fine and should be proud of your achievements.
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  • Profile picture of the author DRP
    Just enjoy your life and be grateful for what you have. Also, don't even bother getting jealous of other "successful" people. They're not successful by any stretch of the imagination. If they have to say that they're successful, then they're full of shit. Most people lie up, claiming that they do better than they really are. A successful person doesn't have to do that.
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    I'd rather tell you an ugly truth than a pretty lie.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    You're thinking too hard about things. Just set a daily schedule for you to do your marketing. Collect payments. Make sure you're automating things more and more, and then just enjoy the rest of your day. Don't make this hard. You can be happy and profitable at the same time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Surge Calls
    Why can't creating a business make you happy at the same time? Are you being productive with your time after the 20/hrs that you work a week or do you find yourself just relaxing or watching television? The best feeling is building a successful business because the only way that you can do so is if you tried your best, you pushed yourself and helped your clients achieve success.

    Also, you do not have to compare with other individuals, the only person that you should hold accountable or compete with is really yourself. As long as you are working towards being a better person today than you were yesterday you are on the right track. Once you have an established business you can have an option to give back to your family, community and society.
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  • Profile picture of the author maxsi
    If you have time for you (your family), if you are happy on what you do, then enjoy your LIFE.

    you are the only one who know what you feel
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      A lot of the seemingly super-successful people you see are driven by fear. They're afraid of losing what they have if they slow down.

      Two examples from the US entertainment world are Regis Philbin and Jay Leno. Both have said in interviews that one of the big reasons they keep working hard (Leno is in his late 60s and Philbin over 80) is because they grew up poor and their parents worked hard. They don't want to go back to that.

      So, if you are meeting your responsibilities and have time to enjoy life, enjoy life.

      If you are young, take some of that money and start putting it away for your future. Jay and Regis got one thing right - you never know what tomorrow will bring. You're earning a good income right now, working relatively few hours. But you could be one virus or wayward bus away from not being able to do so.
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      • Profile picture of the author MikeVietri
        I think that happiness is your driving force no matter what you are doing.

        I mean the only reason that you ever desire something, rather that be a successful business or the perfect partner is because you believe that having these things will make you happier.

        Happiness, enjoyment, and excitement are the feelings that allow you to flow through all aspects of life with peace of mind and certainty.

        When building, or working on your business feels this way

        then it become a game that you are playing.

        not just a chore that you need to do in order to make money.

        and what determines your success is your wiliness to embrace all aspects of the game.

        including losing some rounds

        Just think about the most successful people off all time


        People like:
        Michael Jordan
        Steve Jobs
        Henry Ford
        Richard Branson
        Oprah Winfrey
        Albert Einstein

        Do you think they hated or were dissatisfied with what they were doing?

        Do you think they were wishing or hoping they were involved in something else?

        Do you think their passion and love for the game they were playing lead them to achieve greatness?

        or that their motivator was something monotone like making money?

        NO,
        passion, clear purpose and joy for their craft was what has lead them to achieve greatness.

        Does that mean that their lives are all peaches and roses...

        HELL NO.

        As a matter of a fact their lows are somethings just as significant as their highs (At least in their eyes)

        but they are willing to endure their lows because they LOVE their highs way to much, to not play the game they are playing.


        Success is illusive.

        Without failure there can not be success.

        Without success there can not be failure


        and the more success you want, the more probability of failure you will encounter.

        Its a cycle that repeats it self, not a destination you are trying to reach

        FAIL > SUCCESS > BIGGER FAIL > BIGGER SUCCESS > and so on...

        and the lives of the people mentioned above are a perfect example of this.

        You wanna know the real reason why some people make millions and why other struggle to get by?

        It is because the ultra successful LOVE WHAT THEY DO, and therefore it is easy for them to excel

        and the mediocre DON'T LOVE WHAT THEY DO, and therefore it is harder for them to excel...

        these are the two extremes of the scale, and there are millions of variations in between.

        But it is commons sense.

        The Real Questions Are

        >do you love what you do?

        >would you do it regardless of pay?

        >do you wake up in the morning with a smile on your face ready to take on your work with passion, joy, and excitement?

        >If it all were to go come crumbling down tomorrow, would you build it back up with a smile on your face, or with pain and frustration?

        If your answers are not clear

        then you have not found your true purpose and you MUST keep trying new things or tweaking what you are currently doing,

        Until you can say that I LOVE WHAT I DO, and the fear of failure is no longer an obstacle.

        the same way that fearing of losing at a game of golf, does not prevent you form playing.

        All the best

        ~Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    I go through different phases. I have periods of intense work. Definitely I outsource some, and that gives me for freedom. Sometimes I get buried in customers, and have so much work that I have to fight hard to get free again. Sometimes I am spending too much and need to cut costs. I think I have come to recognize these patterns and it is easier now for me, but you have to go through the process and in time you'll get better at what you do.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dilip Mane
    Building a successful business takes time. It starts with setting up the business, building it or scaling it up further and then making it a sustainable one for the long run.

    During the first two phases you have to work hard as well as smart and there is no way around it for anybody. Also, being successful doesn't mean that your professional journey is over. You may diversify or you may scale the success that you already have.

    As long as you love what you are doing as per your long term professional goal and as long as you do not make a mistake of mixing your personal and professional life together, there is no reason that may make you unhappy along the journey.
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    • Profile picture of the author Devilfish168
      Actually I came to know some WF here ,

      last time happen to see their replies.

      Some do like to work every day yes include weekend , 12 hours or more..

      they claim is enjoyable.

      Whereas some just do two hours to 3 hours per day,
      update contents , marketing a bit that !

      and yes spend times with their loves ones etc.


      For me..well I do enjoy daily work...yes kinda " weird " unlike you at work full time , got colleagues talk to you , yea those office politics , gossip...

      Some claim you will go Mad work from home as you never social face to face....etc

      anyway the most HAPPY is when you have done all your work and profits come ..IT DOES MOTIVATE YOU
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  • Profile picture of the author reachintan
    That is a very good question to analyze.

    I personally feel, earning that much, which can let you spend enough time with yourself or your family is the best way to live a life.

    If you make too much money but do not have time to spend it on yourself or your family then what is the use of having so much.

    I think you are doing wonderfully well as I am on similar terms with you.


    Chintan
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    Chintan Mehta

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    • Profile picture of the author nancy666
      Hi,

      If you are making some money why not reinvest that money in outsourcing some of your tasks so to free up your time. That way you can do some of the things you love to do as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author chyan007
    Banned
    Originally Posted by perneali45 View Post

    Hi, guys!

    I work online for about 20 hours a week, and I would say I'm making 3 times what the "average" person makes a month in my country (I'm not located in the USA).

    I am experiencing a lot of inner friction...

    One part of me says: "Look at all these other online entrepreneurs making a killing. You are being lazy and getting left behind!"

    Another part of me says: "Look at all these 'average' people around you - they work for minimum wage at jobs they hate, and they have no time or energy left - you have it great!"

    Some days I wonder if I'm just not "wired" for super success.

    I also try to stay focused on "overall happiness", which is often very different from "building a successful business at all costs." I feel that, very often, business owners become prisoners in their businesses, and they damage their health, or have no time and energy left for "life".

    What do you think?

    Thanks in advance for any insights you can give!
    I would want to be in the first category where people are making a killing ,sometimes its just our thought process which tells us if we target higher,Work load will substantially go up ,Yes it will but not by that amount that you cannot have time for your family and kids.You can do both at the same time

    Looking forward to your success

    Chyanit
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  • Profile picture of the author EPoltrack77
    stick with your job! To succed in any business online or off if your not happy and have a passion for it then you do not have a chance. I promise you that
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    Working to achieve higher results...
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    Some days I wonder if I'm just not "wired" for super success.
    It depends on your personal goals. Do you want to just earn a living or do you hope to some day have enough money to retire?

    Only you know the answer.
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    Get Off The Warrior Forum Now & Don't Come Back If You Want To Succeed!
    All The Real Marketers Are Gone. There's Nothing Left But Weak, Sniveling Wanna-Bees!
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  • Profile picture of the author SamNuku
    My thoughts are youre comparing yourself which is only going to cause friction. First and foremost stop the comparison.

    Next, what do YOU really want? only you can decide that man forget everyone elsw for a minute.

    If your happy at 1000 a week go for that. If you want 10000 a week go for that.

    Mindset is everything but without happiness everything is in vain
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  • Profile picture of the author mrvm1
    Be happy 1000%. Everything in life is about happiness and this should be the no 1 factor in all of our lives. Being rich or having a successful business doesn't make you happy, in fact totally the opposite at times.
    A great question though, very thought provoking.
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    Less work More money More time

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  • Profile picture of the author Jennifer Mackey
    Company culture has become a huge buzzword in the business and entrepreneurial spaces lately: Some experts advocate free lunches and dry cleaning as a way to boost morale, while others say this just puts pressure on employees to work longer hours. Some think the open office floor plan is the best thing since sliced bread; others say it’s slowly killing your workers.
    Creating a great company culture can feel like a minefield, but everywhere you turn are warnings of what happens when a company culture goes awry. There’s a reason the oft-cited Gallup survey discovered 70% of American workers are disengaged on the job. Companies can easily get caught up in the day-to-day struggles and forget the importance of creating an unbelievable culture for employees.
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  • Profile picture of the author bacclreyes
    Build a business or be happy? Is it really hard to decide? Hmmm.. Not everyone of us is happy towards our work, there are some who worked because they "want to" and others because they "have to" because of financial difficulties.. You are lucky bro to work 20 hurs a day!! Imagine that!! You will have mor time to spend it to you family.. There are no secrets in happiness in life. . But to be happy on what yoy have 😊
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    Originally Posted by perneali45 View Post

    Hi, guys!

    I work online for about 20 hours a week, and I would say I'm making 3 times what the "average" person makes a month in my country (I'm not located in the USA).
    Do you mean 3 times what the average person makes in a 'job' over there? Or do you mean 3 times what the average marketer makes in your country?

    And how much is an 'average' income over there?

    This income that you make from online marketing, is it paying your bills ETC?

    One last question...

    Are you living on your own and paying your own bills?
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by perneali45 View Post

    Hi, guys!

    I work online for about 20 hours a week, and I would say I'm making 3 times what the "average" person makes a month in my country (I'm not located in the USA).

    I am experiencing a lot of inner friction...

    One part of me says: "Look at all these other online entrepreneurs making a killing. You are being lazy and getting left behind!"

    Another part of me says: "Look at all these 'average' people around you - they work for minimum wage at jobs they hate, and they have no time or energy left - you have it great!"

    Some days I wonder if I'm just not "wired" for super success.

    I also try to stay focused on "overall happiness", which is often very different from "building a successful business at all costs." I feel that, very often, business owners become prisoners in their businesses, and they damage their health, or have no time and energy left for "life".

    What do you think?

    Thanks in advance for any insights you can give!
    I don't see why you can't build a business and be happy. If you're making enough, bring in people to help, it might cut in to your overall profits but if you want to have tons of time off, this might be the solution for you.

    You don't need to kill yourself over it, you can work as much as you want.. it really depends on what you want..
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    • Profile picture of the author Eagle07
      Your brain might be lying to you. What do you really want in life?

      You have to distinguish between being happy and being contented on your current situation because you are afraid to advance to the next level.

      If you are genuinely happy then there should be no confusion on your part. You can just go on with what you are doing but since this question came up, you have to reconsider what you really want.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tonny Robb
    You can be both. All is up to you man! Rich people choose both.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kirill Vasilyev
    Some of us feel like we were just made to do something more with our lives. Some of us know what that something is. But some don’t. It took me a while (a few years actually) to figure out what my mission is in life.
    But what is undeniable is that if you are focused, passionate, and determined, you can do that something more.
    No obstacle is too big and no problem is unsolvable.
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