It seems like with all this amazing stuff going on in the world (surging web 2.0 valuations, people becoming instantly rich & famous in tech, booming stocks & home prices, new discoveries in physics, twitter debates, viral content and insta-fame) does it ever feel like you're missing out, like there is a big party going and you're watching from the sidelines.
Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
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Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#2Absolutely yes. It's difficult to focus on your own career when everyone else is on the spotlight. It's been one year since I started grokking the entrepreneur culture: I've never felt more empowered; I've never felt more miserable.
On top of that, the average Joe can't appreciate long-term efforts and is quick to dismiss you as a loser. We worship the overnight successes and underappreciate everything else.
Magicians want you to believe in mind-reading. Media want you to believe you're missing out. Both of them know that keeping the boring secrets preserves the mystery and wonder. George Carlin said it best: "It's all bullshit folks, and it's bad for ya!"
Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#3Not at all! Realize that your have a finite amount of time, each day, each week, your entire life. You are going to miss out on some things, and that's okay! Ensure you're prioritizing the things in you're life that are important to you, and be realistic about what's important, and where you want to spend your time and energy.
Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#4Well, why are you missing out? There's plenty of opportunity for these things in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Seattle, etc. Is this a question about how to pick the right company, or where to live, or what kind of work to focus on?
Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#5Keep in mind that the noise ratio is high, particularly in strong bull markets. Not all that glitters is gold.
If you no longer want to watch from the sidelines, you can follow this simple formula:
1). Build something great. 2). Tell people about it.
Also, read less tech press.
Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#6I don't feel like I'm missing out, but I do often lament the lack of time[1]. It is an interesting observation though of feeling on the outside of an amazing time. Do you feel like you are not able to 'join' the party? And if so what is holding you back?
[1] Spending it reading HN not withstanding :-)
Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#7No
Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#899% of the stuff mentioned doesn't last. Why not read a book instead of surfing twitter or viral content. Why not buy a diversified portfolio instead of speculating on stocks and real estate. Why not build a lasting lifestyle business rather than an over diluted non sensical on demand startup. Just my 2 cents, your milage and views may vary. Btw, physics discoveries are super cool :D
Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#9I used to, then I happened upon Dual Cores - Unplug. Just hit me like a ton of bricks. You are missing out, just define what's important to you.
Re: Ask HN: Do you feel like you're missing out?
#10Yes I feel that a lot of times.But what I am trying to make myself understand:
-What you said,there are a lot of of amazing stuff going.The mind prefers vacillating compared to singular focus.So if you are trying to get into any one of them,where do I jump into?
-The more you get intimidated by all that good stuff going on the more chances that you are going to not focus on a singular thing which could (just maybe) be the place where you become one of those famous ones.
-Internet fame is as volatile as it could get.Take Flappy Bird for example. Dong Nguyen was one of those insta-fames .That lasted for a week?
Back to the age old cliche(or atleast a form of it that i remember). ~Do not chase success.Chase your goal and success(fame,debates and all those) will follow .
I know how lame it sounds.But ask any of those people sitting up there.It works.