Want to Succeed? Here’s the Hard Truth You Can’t Ignore

Congratulations—you passed the first test.

You clicked on this link. That already puts you ahead of 99% of people. Why? Because most people won’t click on something that feels uncomfortable. They don’t want to hear hard truths or face the reality of what’s holding them back. And that’s the very reason they’ll never succeed in business - or in life.

The truth is, success doesn’t come to those who avoid discomfort. It comes to those who lean into it, take risks, and do the hard, sometimes tedious work of daily improvement.

Who Is Stephen Bartlett?

Stephen Bartlett is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. With a massive social media following, he’s known for his brutally honest takes on business, life, and success. As the host of The Diary of a CEO, one of the world’s most popular podcasts, he’s interviewed everyone from global business leaders to cultural icons, offering insights into what it takes to succeed.

And now, he’s released The 1% Journal - a tool designed to help people build better habits through small, consistent actions that compound over time.

The Double Meaning of 1%

Stephen Bartlett’s 1% Journal is all about making small, incremental improvements every day - just 1% better. Over time, these small changes compound into massive results. It’s an incredible philosophy for building better habits and creating a more fulfilled life.

But here’s what Bartlett isn’t explicitly saying, and what I believe: that daily 1% effort also puts you on track to be part of the top 1% of people.

Think about it. How many people do you know who actually follow through on their goals, every single day? How many are willing to show up, put in the work, and push through discomfort consistently? Probably very few. That’s why the 1% who do stand out.

What’s Holding Most People Back

It’s not lack of talent or opportunity—it’s avoidance of discomfort. Most people:

  • Scroll past posts like this because it feels too "real."

  • Start a business but give up when it gets tough.

  • Have big dreams but no discipline to break them into daily habits.

If this feels like a harsh truth, good. It’s supposed to. Success requires being uncomfortable - every day. It’s not glamorous, and it’s not easy, but it’s the only way to get where you want to go.

The Path to Becoming the 1%

Here’s the truth:

  1. Success is a daily choice. Commit to improving by 1% every single day. It won’t feel like much at first, but it adds up in ways you can’t imagine.

  2. Discomfort is the cost of entry. Growth never happens in your comfort zone.

  3. Be consistent, not perfect. You don’t have to win every day—you just have to show up.

Final Thoughts

The 1% improvement rule isn’t just about habits—it’s about mindset. Every day, you have a choice: stay comfortable and average, or lean into discomfort and inch closer to the life you want.

So ask yourself: Are you ready to take the uncomfortable steps to become part of the 1%? Or will you stay where it’s safe, scrolling past opportunities like this?

At NSR Creative, we believe in the power of small, consistent actions. Whether it’s crafting a marketing strategy or helping you tell your brand’s story, we know that the right 1% changes can lead to big results.

If this resonates with you, and you’re ready to take that next step, hit us up. Let’s work together to create something truly impactful.

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