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The 9 Uncomfortable Truths That Make Life Better

The 9 Uncomfortable Truths That Make Life Better

(Even if you think you are already free)

Alberto Gonzalez's avatar
Alberto Gonzalez
May 02, 2025
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Smarter Engineers 💡
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The 9 Uncomfortable Truths That Make Life Better
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A strange thing happens when you stop lying to yourself:

Life gets easier.

Not because things get easier, but because you do.

Here are 9 truths that most people avoid—but the moment you face them, your work gets smarter, your health gets sharper, and your relationships get deeper.

Let’s get uncomfortable (in the best way possible).


1. You are not special.

I used to think I was the exception.

That I didn’t need to follow the same rules. That I was “too talented” for structure. That people would just “get it.”

But when I looked around, the people succeeding weren't waiting to be discovered.

They were doing three things:

  • Following boring systems that worked.

  • Asking better questions, not proving how smart they were.

  • Showing up daily, not occasionally “crushing it.”

Once I let go of being special, I started making progress.

2. Nobody owes you anything.

Entitlement is quiet. It hides behind frustration.

“Why didn’t I get promoted?” “Why don’t they recognize my work?” “Why didn’t they text me back?”

Here’s what helped me reset:

  • Show your work. Visibility beats talent.

  • Ask clearly. Don’t wait to be noticed.

  • Give first. That’s how you build trust and leverage.

The minute you drop the scorecard, you gain power.

3. Failure is not just possible—it’s the default.

Every successful person I know has failed more than most people try.

  • Most engineers don’t get hired for their first side project—it’s usually their fifth.

  • Most creators don’t go viral on post #1—it happens on #57.

  • Most good relationships don’t start perfectly—they’re built through conflict and repair.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s the cost of entry.

The trick? Fail on purpose, small and often.


You've just read the first 3 of 9 uncomfortable truths that make life better.

If you're a paid subscriber, keep reading to unlock the rest:

  • How to stop letting your emotions sabotage your goals

  • How to make better use of your time without burnout

  • How to stop caring what others think—and build deeper connections

  • And how to defeat the only real enemy you’ll ever face: yourself

Paid members, scroll down.

Free readers, upgrade now to get the full playbook—and 100+ other career tools in the Strategy Library.

Click here to keep reading.


4. Your feelings don’t always matter.

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