Why You Should Let Bad Things Happen

Otherwise, you won’t achieve great things

“Develop the habit of letting small bad things happen. If You don’t, you will never find time for the life-changing big things.” — Tim Ferriss

It was May 2018.

I had had enough. It had only been 10 months at my job but those were the worst 10 months of my life. I wanted to quit my job. So, I did that without telling anyone.

When my parents heard about the decision, they were not happy at all. My father did not talk to me for about a month. But, I did not care about that. I was not happy at my job.

I wanted to go to grad school for a Ph.D. So I applied for a Ph.D. in the U.S. and got accepted at the University of Virginia.

Coming from a middle-class Indian family, I needed some amount of money ($4000–$5000) to travel to the U.S. for the first time.

I had a hard time gathering the money. I had to ask for help from my friends and relative.

I stayed at home for 2 months after quitting my job and things were not good at home. But I did not care about that because I wanted to pursue my dream.

Fast forward to 3 years, I am in the happiest state of my life. I am having fun doing my Ph.D.

Ph.D. gives me enough money to live a good life in the U.S. and save some. I have already returned the money to my friends and relatives.

Also, my parents are happy with me now and I talk to them regularly. Things are going great. I am happy in my professional and personal life.

This would not have happened had I not quit my job. I did not care about the small things like — what my parents would say or how would I arrange the money. I kept my focus on the bigger goal (getting a Ph.D.).

Often in life, we care about small things so much that we stop losing sight of the bigger picture.

To achieve great things, we have to let some small bad things happen.

If you want to pursue your dreams and are worried about some small things, ask these questions:

1. What the worst could happen if I pursue my dreams? If things can get better after 3–6 months, let the bad things happen.
2. What would I miss if I don’t pursue my goals? If you will be happier by pursuing your goals, go for it.
3. Can pursuing your goals change your life forever? If yes, do it.

Don’t be afraid of small bad things. Take the big step. You will be thankful for taking the decision a few years down the line.

Thanks for reading.