*Typing*

High performers will often disguise their obsession with an air of nonchalance. It’s vogue, after all, to give the impression that success comes naturally. Don’t be fooled. Despite the swan's grace, beneath the surface of the water a war is taking place. She is kicking against the tremendous current. She is working obsessively. She is working diligently. She is working beautifully. She is clawing at the devil. She is dancing with God.

Obsession is your secret. It’s your shortcut. It’s your edge. It’s your competitive advantage. When you’re obsessed, you’re willing to eat more shit than the average person. You’re willing to suffer more pain. You’re willing to work longer hours. You’re willing to make more sacrifices.

When you’re obsessed, you don’t see problems. Only opportunities. And, they don’t deter you. They excite you. They ignite you.

When you’re obsessed, you’re the coked-out drunk at the bar that nobody wants to pick a fight with. You’ve got nothing to lose.

When you're obsessed, you're the cornered Jaguar. Pity the idiot that pulls your tail. He's going to fuck around and get mauled.

This is how I’ve always felt about writing. This is it for me. I’m all in. There is no plan B. There is no safety net. There is no parachute. There is no ship waiting for me back at shore. I’m either making it in this arena or I'm getting dragged out in a body bag.

This isn’t normal. This isn’t healthy. This isn’t balanced. But, if it’s mastery you're after, it’s what is required. It’s the only way.

Your taste is unique. But, it’s not exclusive. Create stuff you like. Naturally, others will like it too.

Everything is a popularity contest. How you choose to participate says a lot about who you are: Influencers start them. Conformists join them. Contrarians oppose them. Individualists avoid them. Capitalists monetize them. Artists express them.Writers document them. Pioneers end them.

It’s okay if some people hate you. I’m so tired of brands trying to appeal to everyone. It’s unoriginal. It’s cowardly. It’s uninspiring.

Imagine if tomorrow Coca-Cola decided to water down their product because 97% of the world finds it too sweet. Coca-Cola would not only lose the 3% of customers who love their product exactly as it is, the remaining 97% would still complain that it’s too sweet (or no longer sweet enough).

Stop trying to appeal to everyone. Your desire to be well-liked is watering down your brand to the point that it will appeal to absolutely nobody.

Some people hate Harley Davidson. Other people get the logo tattooed to their face. Some people hate Hermès. Other people drop $40,000 on their handbags. Some people hate Taylor Swift. Other people fly across the world to attend her shows. Some people hate Coca-Cola. Other people consider it the best moment of their day.

You should not value the worth of your brand by its mass appeal but instead its raving fans and mortal enemies.