You hear it all the time.

People who spent years upon years working every day to write that book or train for that ultra marathon.

The same people you hear in interviews saying how good things only come from countless hours of dedication and discipline.

And all this does it turn people off from chasing their own dreams because from their perspective, the standard has already been set way above what they expected it to be.

I’m not saying working on your craft every hour of every day is a bad thing, but what I am saying is that it isn’t required.

One of my favorite quotes—and is currently hanging up on a cork board beside me—goes like this:

What Pressfield is saying is that you shouldn’t feel pressured to dedicate your whole day to leveling up your skills. Simply set aside sixty minutes and stick with it.

And it’s not just Pressfield who supports this “one-hour a day” practice.

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits got his start by writing articles on productivity and only dedicated one hour a day to publishing a new written piece. All this eventually helped him write his book which went on to sell over 20 million copies.

Throughout his career, Jerry Seinfeld would set aside less than an hour a day writing jokes for his stand-up acts. His constant ability to push out new material made him one of the most successful comedians of his time.

Before he became a full-time writer, Stephen King worked as an English teacher at a local highschool. Despite his schedule, he set aside about an hour every day to write in the evening which led to his first book titled Carrie.

I could go on and on.

But by now, you should see that it doesn’t take much to make a name out of yourself. All it takes it a fraction of your day—or 4.2%—to do something you love for a living.

Even Robert Collier says that “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

So whatever it may be, whether it’s training for a 5K or starting that business, set aside one hour every day.

And all you have to remember is Seinfeld’s one piece of advice:

“Don’t break the chain.”

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - I’m now reading No More Mr. Nice Guy by Robert Glover. A book on how men can seek approval and find happiness in their lives without the need of others.

Quote Of The Week - “Although no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.” — Carl Bard