Everyone Wants the Gold, But Not the Fire
Kadija is sitting with a friend, Zara, at a cozy coffee shop. Zara has just asked about her thoughts on success, seeing someone on social media flaunting their “success formula.” Kadija leans back, sipping her tea with a knowing look.
Zara:
I just don’t get it. Like, I see all these people online talking about how they made it big. They’re always saying, “I did this, I did that, follow my steps and you’ll succeed.” Do you think that’s legit?
Kadija (raising an eyebrow):
Do I think it’s legit? Zara, let me ask you this — have you ever seen anyone show the real process first? Like, the blood, sweat, tears, failures, and sleepless nights? Or is it always the shiny stuff?
Zara (pausing):
Now that you mention it… yeah, it’s mostly the end result. They might talk about their struggles later, but it’s kind of secondary.
Kadija (nodding):
Exactly. And that’s the problem. People don’t want the truth — they want the shortcut. They see the outcome and think, “If I just copy this, I’ll get the same result.”
Zara:
But it doesn’t work like that, does it?
Kadija:
Not even close. You know what happens? These insecure masses — you know, the ones who think success is an overnight thing — they try to replicate the surface-level stuff. Then, when it doesn’t work, they either spiral into self-doubt or blame the world for their problems.
Zara (laughing):
Okay, I see where you’re going with this. But isn’t it partly the fault of the people sharing their stories?
Kadija:
You’re absolutely right. Some of them are opportunists — selling a fake dream to make a quick buck. But there are others who mean well and still mess up. They lead with the result and put the struggle second.
Zara:
So, what should they do?
Kadija (leaning forward):
Lead with the struggle. Show the pain, the hard work, the setbacks — first. Let people know what they’re signing up for before they start trying to become some fantasy.
Zara:
But why don’t they do that?
Kadija:
Because it’s not sexy. Struggle doesn’t sell. People don’t want to hear about the 10,000 hours of effort and pain — it’s easier to sell them the end result. But you know what that does? It creates more noise. More fake blogs, fake gurus, fake success stories.
Zara:
Ugh, I hate that. It’s like the internet is flooded with garbage now.
Kadija (smiling slightly):
And the irony is, even when people chase these fake dreams, they don’t realize the magnitude of what they’re asking for.
Zara:
What do you mean?
Kadija:
Think about it. Everyone wants the gold, but they don’t want the fire. They pray for leadership, success, wealth — but do they realize what comes with that? The weight of responsibility, the sleepless nights, the constant criticism?
Zara:
So, it’s like they’re asking for a crown but forgetting the thorns?
Kadija (snapping her fingers):
Exactly! If they saw the full picture, half of them wouldn’t even ask. But instead, they get stuck in this cycle of wishing for something they’re not ready to handle.
Zara:
And when they get it?
Kadija:
They either crumble under the weight or spend their time wishing for something else. It’s the ultimate irony.
Zara:
So, what’s the solution for them?
Kadija:
For the insecure masses? Stop chasing shadows. Find your own purpose, get clear on who you are, and align with that. And for the people sharing their journeys — lead with the truth. Don’t sugarcoat it.
Zara:
You make it sound so simple.
Kadija (shrugging):
Because it is. The truth is always simple — it’s just people who try to complicate it.
Zara (nodding):
Fair point. So, what do you think about that influencer I mentioned earlier?
Kadija (grinning):
Delete their page from your mind, Zara. Unless you’re into fairy tales.
Zara (laughing):
Got it. No shortcuts, just clarity.
