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Wonderhell

Laura Gassner Otting

Duration20 min
Key Points8 Key Points
Rating4.8 Rate

What's inside?

Find out why achieving success always sparks a desire to accomplish more. Learn how to handle the worry, tension, and uncertainty that this feeling brings.

You'll learn

LearnHow to break free and chase your dreams
LearnWhy it's important to prioritize your own happiness over making others happy
LearnQuestions to ask yourself to understand better
LearnThe importance of patience when working towards success

Key points

01Put a stop to your never-ending wants.

Ever had a goal that you were so hell-bent on achieving that you put your all into it? You might have encountered a few hiccups along the way, but you didn't let that deter you. And then, there it was - the sweet taste of success. But just when you started basking in the glory of your achievement, a familiar feeling of unease crept in. Something in you yearned for more, and so, you were back to square one. This is what Laura Otting refers to as “Wonderhell.” It's that weird place where success feels oh-so-wonderful, but also like a relentless pursuit that never seems to end. Now, if you're like most people, you probably spend a good chunk of your life trying to please others - your boss, your family, your friends. You measure your worth based on what others think of you. This needs to change. You need to understand that your worth doesn't depend on someone else's validation. Your salary doesn't define your worth. Criticism doesn't determine who you are. Once you grasp this, you will be able to pause and reflect on your real self. You will start chasing your own milestones and not the ones the world has set for you. As we delve further, you'll learn how to find your unique strengths and use them to your advantage. We'll also discuss strategies to deal with the challenges that success brings along. If you're at a point in your life where you're seeking clarity, this article will guide you. It includes a list of profound questions that will help you introspect and find your path.

02Don't use your talents where they aren't valued.

We've all taken a stroll down Struggle Street at some point — be it as employees, entrepreneurs, inventors, business folks, or politicians. Your path to success is never a straight one. It's littered with speed bumps, sharp turns, and potential pitfalls lurking to crush your dreams. Some people manage to navigate through it, while others don't. Beyond the external hurdles, our own internal demons — self-doubt, low self-esteem, hesitation, pressure — can tie us down if we let them. So, how do you bulldoze through these obstacles and find that elusive light at the end of the tunnel? Follow these three steps: • Embrace the future 'you' Ever noticed how some folks throw in the towel after failing to score a promotion at work? More often than not, it's not just about not landing the new role. Here's the thing: they've already seen themselves in that new role. There's a psychological shift that happens when you prepare and interview for a position — you temporarily step into the shoes of people who are already doing that job. After putting in all that effort, it's hard for many to go back to their old, lesser position. Similarly, you need to wrap your arms around your ambitions. Use your imagination to paint a picture of your future self, and then hustle to make it a reality. Remember, your perspective is critical. You'll significantly up your chances of success when you see challenges not as barriers but as stepping stones to growth. • Go for consistency Success isn't always a one-shot deal. It's okay if you don't hit the bullseye on your first attempt. What matters is that you shake off the dust and get back in the game, learning from your past mistakes. Picture this: you started a side hustle and made some decent dough last year. Pumped up, you decide to scale it up the following year. However, you soon realize that growing a business isn't the same as running a casual side gig. You now have to grapple with operations, ramp up your sales and marketing game, and bring onboard the right people. It all might seem too much, and you might be tempted to keep it as a small side project. But don't let that deter you. Keep at it, and you'll be surprised at how much you grow over time.

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03We go into Wonderhell and come out changed.

04Don't allow other people to determine what success means for you.

05Being patient is rewarding.

06Don't try to be perfect in everything you do.

07Transform your life's challenges into motivation for your future.

08Conclusion

About Laura Gassner Otting

Laura Gassner Otting is a renowned author, influential activist, dynamic public speaker, and the founder of Non-Profit Professional Advisory Group. She also has political experience as a former staffer in the Bill Clinton White House. This is the same Laura Gassner Otting who penned the book "Wonderhell".

Featured Excerpt

The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.

note: excerpts from the original book

We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.

note: excerpts from the original book

Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you.

note: excerpts from the original book

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