They hate you because you had less… and still did

It’s easy to read a story of someone building from nothing and think, 'Wow, they’re so strong!' But what often isn't seen is the immense internal battle, the constant worry, and moments of deep distress that come with such a journey. I've been there. There were days I felt completely overwhelmed, wondering how I could possibly keep going when every sign pointed to quitting. That feeling of being alone when you had less than others, and yet you're trying to do more – it can be isolating. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the power of my reason. When you’re trying to build something without a safety net, you have to dig deep and truly understand why you're doing it. Is it for freedom? For a legacy? For simply proving to yourself what’s possible? Holding onto that reason is like having an anchor in a storm. It’s what motivates you to complete challenging projects even when the weight of financial instability or lack of external support feels crushing. When they try to bring you down, or hate on your progress, remembering your reason becomes your shield. I also realized the importance of planting seeds. You might not see results overnight, or even in a few months. But every small step, every consistent effort, every time you choose to learn something new or push past a setback, you're planting a seed. These seeds are your future harvest. It’s about being patient but persistent. There were times I’d be working on something, feeling like it was pointless, but I'd remind myself that even the smallest action today contributes to the larger goal. It's how you keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. And speaking of hate – oh, will you encounter it! Especially when you’ve had less and start to do more. Some people just can't stand to see others rise, especially if they perceive you as having started with disadvantages. This kind of negativity can be a huge source of distress if you let it in. My advice? Build a fortress around your self-belief. Understand that their hate often comes from their own insecurities, not from anything you’ve done wrong. It’s a reflection of them, not you. You don't need their validation to be okay. Finally, it’s about finding moments of okay-ness amidst the chaos. It’s easy to get caught up in the constant grind, but allowing yourself small victories, acknowledging your progress, and giving yourself grace is crucial. You are doing something incredibly difficult – building a life with your own two hands. There will be constant worry, but there will also be immense pride. Remember that feeling of excitement before a big presentation? Channel that energy into your daily grind. Celebrate the small wins, breathe through the tough moments, and always tell yourself, 'I am okay, and I will keep going.' Because honestly, that self-reassurance is the strongest support system you can ever have when you’re truly self-made.