Admitting What Is Obvious

Dan Shipper reflects on a personal revelation: admitting that he is, at heart, a writer. Despite founding a newsletter company called Every, Dan had long avoided embracing this truth due to fears of limiting his identity and potential. He explains that ignoring obvious truths incurs emotional costs, while admitting them is both freeing and motivating. Using the metaphor of an "invisible bag" from poet Robert Bly, Dan describes how societal pressures often push us to suppress parts of ourselves. For Dan, this meant pretending to be a founder who writes, rather than fully owning his passion for writing.

Once he embraced this truth, Dan found that aligning his life with his true desires helped improve both his writing and business. He cites figures like Bill Simmons and Sam Harris, who have successfully balanced creative output with running businesses, as inspirations. Dan emphasizes that admitting obvious truths may take time, but doing so allows us to focus on what we truly love, leading to personal and professional fulfillment.

The article encourages readers to reflect on their own "obvious truths" and to take steps toward living in alignment with them.