24 Comments
User's avatar
Rafa Páez's avatar

This post is highly insightful. Many people quit too early because they interpret discomfort as failure. But that discomfort is actually a sign that growth is happening.

Mastery comes after pushing through that awkward phase.

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

And that phase can take years or never go away after all.

Expand full comment
Amanda Curtis's avatar

Like a seed pushing through the soil before it becomes a flower. ☺️

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

Beautifully said

Expand full comment
Dan Costello's avatar

Nice perspective on navigating uncertainty as you "figure out" what you are doing with your career and life. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

I think everyone goes through this process of not knowing what they're doing until they have been long enough in the game that they finally figure it out.

The sooner you accept this is the default, the fastest you will get to where you want to be.

Expand full comment
Josep Ferrer's avatar

The way you (or Dan Koe hahah) reframed uncertainty as a feature, not a bug, felt like a gentle permission slip to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.

And this is a reminder that purpose often emerges from persistence, not perfection.

Thanks for writing this 🙌🏻

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

Purpose emerges from persistence, not perfection.

I couldn't have said it better.

Expand full comment
Rocco R.'s avatar

Good stuff. Good luck with your writing new experience then. 🌅

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

Thanks!

Expand full comment
Juan Gonzalez's avatar

It is actually a feature, not a bug. And if I had known that at least 5 years ago, my journey would have been more straightforward and I wouldn't have be so hard on myself for quitting a high-paying developer job (and having all my family and friends called me crazy).

But that desire to do more and achieve more coupled with undying curiosity has gotten me through all that mess. To overcome the "messy middle" and now be way ahead than the majority of my peers.

Great post Alberto! I remember when this publication had the previous name and the rebranding process has made it all the better. 💪

Expand full comment
Jens Stark's avatar

It's a great post Alberto. I like reading about the journey you are on and there's a lot that hits home. Keep sharing your learnings and insights!

Expand full comment
Anjali Krishnakumar's avatar

I resonate much with this as a person stuck at crossroads! I've just started my journey here and struggle with consistency and figuring things out in life. Writing here makes me happy and helps me return to my reading habit. I'm not rushing things these days, but finding my best to be here – one day at a time! <3

Expand full comment
Eldar Sarajlic's avatar

Thanks for sharing this! It’s very inspirational!

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

I'm glad it resonated with you

Expand full comment
Gabri Fiorenza's avatar

Thanks for your words, they deeply reasonate with me. Like you, I often feel like I have many hats: I am a startup founder, a content creator, a writer, a psychology-obsessed. Recently I've started to share my journey on social media. Sometimes I have the feeling that I don't know what I am doing. This leads me to overthink, but I've learned that the best way to resolve doubt is not thinking but action. Cheers

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

Yes action is how you leapfrog 99% of people stuck in analysis paralisis.

As a startup founder you will benefit from acting, assessing, and adjusting.

Never from overthinking.

Expand full comment
Gabri Fiorenza's avatar

Thanks for your words, they deeply reasonate with me. Like you, I often feel like I have many hats: I am a startup founder, a content creator, a writer, a psychology-obsessed. Recently I've started to share my journey on social media. Sometimes I have the feeling that I don't know what I am doing. This leads me to overthink, but I've learned that the best way to resolve doubt is not thinking but action. Cheers

Expand full comment
Jude Manickam's avatar

After taking a Substack writing course, I decided to focus only on Substack and LinkedIn, which made a big difference. Progress is slow but steady; some days are tough, others easy. The supportive community keeps me motivated, and I'm sticking to my plan, taking it one step at a time.

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

That's the important thing: sticking long enough to something until you can clearly assess whether it's working or not.

But, sadly, most people give up too early.

Expand full comment
Jenny Ouyang's avatar

I really appreciate you sharing such personal and possibly difficult experiences. It’s in those moments that we grow and become more complete as people. Truly love this work!

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

Thanks Jenny. It has been a journey of discovery and growth.

Expand full comment
Colette Molteni's avatar

If you thrive while you build, you are moving with enthusiasm, that is sustainable.

Expand full comment
Alberto Gonzalez's avatar

That's the goal!

Expand full comment