My Learnings: #31

You should never reveal your plans to others—let them unfold through your actions instead. Too often, I’ve seen so-called friends, who are really just nosy neighbors, dig for details you share in good faith, hoping to assist. But then they either steal your idea or quietly work to sabotage something promising you’ve got going. Even if they don’t do it outright, I’ve caught people secretly wishing for my failure, rooting against me behind closed doors. The harsh truth is that most people are unhappy with their own lives, and seeing someone break free from the crowd forces them to confront their own flaws. They’re like crabs in a bucket, clawing you back down to their level.

Not everyone is like this, though. If you’re fortunate, you’ll encounter a rare few—genuine souls who cheer you on and truly want the best for you. Those are the ones worth investing in, the ones you spend your time with and lift up in return. They’re precious gifts in a world that often feels stacked against you.

There’s another pitfall to sharing your plans: people chime in with their opinions and then get offended when you don’t follow their advice. They try to claim the exciting parts of your journey for themselves, leaving you to shoulder all the risks and consequences. That’s an unfair deal, so be cautious about who you let in. This applies to everything—even investing. If you disclose your positions, others can use that knowledge to take opposing moves that hurt you. Worse still, when you announce your intentions, some offer premature congratulations. It feels good, like you’ve already succeeded, but that false sense of accomplishment can sap your drive to actually follow through.

Keep your dreams and ideas close. Focus on the execution and savor the journey—it’s yours alone. Choose wisely who you share with, because most people, whether they admit it or not, will do their best to ensure your plans never see the light of day.