You Can’t Be 'That Guy' Overnight

Lately, I’ve been in a hyper-reflective mode, and I’ve realized that most of my problems—probably 80% or more—stem from unconsciously comparing myself to this "best version" of me. You know the one: the person who goes to the gym consistently, aces their studies, looks great, speaks confidently, radiates good vibes, is close to God, and is always helping others.

I keep trying to be that guy, but here’s the truth: you can’t just become that ideal overnight. Don’t get me wrong—it’s possible to achieve that version of yourself. Of course, it is. But we live in a world that pushes us to expect instant results, and that mindset is dangerous.

For context, I consider myself an average—or even below average—person in most things. So what happens when I try to force myself to be that guy? I get burned out or discouraged. I’ll think, "I can only bench 60kg," or, "Why can I only study for 20 minutes when everyone else seems to study for hours?" That cycle of self-comparison is exhausting.

Here’s what I’ve learned: you can’t grow into your best self in a single day. Once you accept that growth is a process and focus on small, achievable goals, you’ll start to see real progress. Trust me, slow, steady work beats chasing an impossible standard any day. The guy who sets realistic goals and sticks with them will go further than the one who burns himself out trying to be perfect overnight.

Just like the homeless person sleeping in a tent on the corner didn’t end up there because of one big mistake. It was the result of hundreds of small compromises. A drink here, some drugs there, a bit of recklessness... it all adds up over time. Just like the successful person didn’t achieve greatness with one lucky break. They won repeatedly, stacking win after win, each one building momentum against their losses.

Life in 2025 rarely comes down to one defining moment, but the accumulation of choices, good or bad, that determine where you end up. Every effort, no matter how small, compounds over time, building you up or breaking you down. Choose wisely.

It’s hard work. It takes patience. But greatness is built one small step at a time.