Chapter 1: The Sign Spinner's Commitment

There he stood, the sign spinner.

As the wind whistled against my van’s window, I observed a man dedicated to promoting mattress sales at the intersection near Cheddar's and Walmart. The sign he wielded was six feet wide, shaped like an arrow, adorned with bold black letters, and had a cut-out section at the top for his grip during breaks.

I adjusted the heat in my van, directing two vents toward myself, while glancing at the dashboard reading 32 degrees Fahrenheit. I knew it was misleading; the actual temperature was around five degrees lower, yet this man braved the chill.

I couldn’t help but watch him. He spun that sign for eight hours each day, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

He appeared to be around sixty, sporting large headphones, a small black jacket, and notably, no gloves. Despite his big belly and gray beard, he wore a warm smile. He would flip the sign into the air, catching it as the wind tried to whisk it away.

As cars zipped by and people continued with their busy lives—some likely headed to purchase one of the mattresses he advertised—I found myself enchanted. Day after day, I witnessed his enthusiasm; he bobbed his head, danced on his toes, and waved at passing drivers, all while his small black backpack leaned against the sturdy gray light post.

Through scorching heat or bitter cold, he remained steadfast.

My brother sat beside me that day as we drove to the gym around 10 AM. “I see that guy every day,” I remarked, pointing at the man as he wiggled and swayed. “He’s truly dedicated. If you want to create the life you desire, you have to show up consistently.”

But I wasn't just speaking to my younger brother; I was also addressing myself.

In sub-zero temperatures, he was outside without any protective gear. If he could endure that, surely I could push myself a little more.

Earlier that morning, I had chosen the comfort of my bed over the chill of the world outside. I had grown accustomed to staying snuggled in my sleeping bag, avoiding the cold since the temperatures dropped.

For fifteen years, I had dreamed of traveling full-time. Two years ago, I sold my apartment and moved into my van. However, my new van wasn’t fully equipped yet, making mornings especially frigid.

Instead of getting up, I’d curl up in my sleeping bag, ensuring no drafts disturbed my warmth, and spend time on my phone. Sometimes, I’d manage an hour of work before drifting back to sleep. Other times, I’d wake up much later.

These felt like excuses to me.

I slowed down as I passed the sign spinner.

That was dedication. If he could face the cold, so could I.

I glanced in my rearview mirror at the cozy comforter I had draped over one of my back seats. The area I had designed to work on my laptop was just two feet away from where I lay, yet I couldn’t muster the courage to step out.

I refocused ahead.

I was ready to commit fully to my business. So, when would I stop choosing comfort over the uncomfortable? When would I finally break free from my comfort zone?

“They’re going to honk at you,” my brother reminded me, indicating the cars behind us.

Right, I had been going too slow for too long. I accelerated.

Watching that man—witnessing his complete commitment to his goals—taught me three essential lessons:

1. Put in Maximum Effort Over Time

   It’s more challenging to commit when my desires aren’t strong enough. It’s easy to slip into comfort and miss my potential.

2. I Am My Only Limitation

   The cold wasn’t what I was avoiding; it was my fear of interacting with people. This was a self-imposed barrier, a misconception I needed to confront.

So, that day, I resolved to embrace discomfort. This meant initiating conversations, reaching out, and facing the risk of rejection.

I had mostly overcome my fear of rejection, but now it was time to address my apathy toward social interactions. This disinterest had plagued me since childhood, and while I didn’t know how to fix it, I recognized that people are an integral part of life.

Once we arrived at the gym, I struck up a conversation with a woman in the restroom.

I was stepping out of my comfort zone.

Chapter 2: Strategies for Overcoming Comfort

Rip the Band-Aid Off Quickly

This straightforward principle simplifies the process of getting out of bed and combating self-doubt. The sign spinner might live by this rule too.

I recently learned about Mel Robbins' five-second rule from her book, "The High 5: Take Control of Your Life with One Simple Habit." Just like plunging into a cold lake on my 32nd birthday, I would count down from five before getting out of bed. This method helps eliminate hesitation and doubt before they can take hold.

5–4–3–2–1… Go.

Believe in Your Potential

The sign spinner served as a reminder of my capabilities—and how often I fail to push myself. To achieve what I truly desire, I need to aim higher.

While I occasionally experience intense moments of commitment, I often find myself drifting comfortably in mediocrity.

To further push myself, I’ll jot down five things that make me uneasy. Once I tackle those, I’ll strive to confront five more.

So, 5–4–3–2–1 — Go.

What five things challenge your comfort? How will you confront them today?

The power is yours; it always has been.

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