In the past, I spent a lot of time consuming content broadly, waiting for ideas to emerge. In retrospect, I should have engaged in more reflective sessions to focus on my ideas and find my purpose. However, I was overwhelmed by numerous popular culture themes, mesmerized by the content, and kept postponing the start of my company. I should have realized that starting a company was not the immediate step I needed to take. Instead, what was necessary was to begin articulating, writing, and sharing my thoughts to clarify them. Along the way, whether it be a cause, a company, an enterprise, or an app, things would have naturally evolved.

Instead, I was caught up in working and following a standard template, waiting for the “right” time to start my company. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to start a company that merely trades products or services. I was eager to come up with a unique idea, but my approach to idea generation was immature. I kept reading popular culture materials and consuming content without reflecting on it, following the prevalent templates.

This strategy of compartmentalizing and postponing actions to a future date was ineffective. For instance, I once started a small library for my cousins. I should have continued with such small initiatives, ensuring they compounded into something more significant like write-ups, websites, apps, or products. However, in hindsight, I believe that compounding did take place in my mind in terms of my evolving understanding. So, if I regret not starting earlier, I realize that the compounding effect of my experiences has led to a mature idea that can be my cause.

Now, I understand the importance of taking small steps to spread the word and educate others. However, it’s crucial that the information I share is not merely regurgitated from the internet, accessible to everyone, but stems from the compounded knowledge acquired over the years. Every day, I go to work and consume a lot of content; I should have made more effort to embrace uncomfortable situations, as that is how I grow and find leverage for improvement.

I’ve been waiting for the day to arrive without realizing that the experiences have already compounded within me. I don’t regret the path I’ve taken because these experiences are invaluable. However, I should have made an effort to engage in uncomfortable events sooner. Now that I’ve identified my cause, I aim to engage in more activities, share my thoughts, organize events, meet different people, and so on, on a daily basis. By doing more, I increase the probability of expanding my “luck surface area,” but the intention is to create real value, not for self-aggrandizement or validation from others.