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RichardKennaway comments on "Follow your dreams" as a case study in incorrect thinking - Less Wrong Discussion

29 Post author: cousin_it 20 August 2014 01:18PM

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Comment author: RichardKennaway 01 January 2015 11:54:36PM 0 points [-]

Perhaps, but I think the better approach is to find some way to follow your dreams but with a fallback plan. So for example to spend 30-60 minutes a day on your screenplay or novel while the rest of the time you are an accountant, advertising executive, etc.

30-60 minutes a day isn't following your dreams with a fallback, it's living the fallback while playing at following the dream.

Comment author: brazil84 01 January 2015 11:57:03PM 1 point [-]

30-60 minutes a day isn't following your dreams with a fallback, it's living the fallback while playing at following the dream.

I think the point you are making is that 30-60 minutes a day gives you basically zero chances of success in terms of achieving your dream. Did I understand you correctly?

Comment author: RichardKennaway 02 January 2015 08:32:00AM 0 points [-]

Yes, exactly.

Comment author: brazil84 02 January 2015 10:54:20AM *  1 point [-]

Yes, exactly.

Ok, well I would have to disagree with you. I do agree that for some kinds of dream-pursuit, a bigger time commitment is necessary. For example an internet startup in a highly competitive area would be at a huge disadvantage compared to people working full time.

But for other things, a part-time commitment will still give you a decent shot. If you are not in a race with other people and it takes you 6 months instead of 1 month to get your project off the ground, it's not going to hurt you all that much.