'How to Lose Friends and Alienate People': Demotivational Speakers

I decided to write this because I'm also writing a business plan right now.

Gary Vaynerchuck is one of the leading influencers, online entrepreneurs, motivational speakers, etc. in the world. He's a very successful man and he's found something that works for him, so well done and big congratulations to the guy. He's cracked it.

That being said, he's fucking toxic.

I don't dislike Gary Vaynerchuck, but I do think he's got a very ignorant approach to life and how to be successful. I actually agree with him on quite a lot; for example "the harder you work, the more likely to be successful you are," and "failures are good" and these are good messages, persisting with what you believe in and finding something positive out of potentially negative situations.

As much as Gary Vaynerchuck has cracked it, he's cracked it for him.

There is a route to success, hard work does play a part, certain things you like may not lead to that picture of success you desire.

However, success is one of the most subjective fantasies in the world. Is success having your own place? Is it earning a six-figure salary? Is it getting married and having kids? Is it wandering the world without bills and living day-by-day for the rest of your life?

The issue I take with Gary is his approach to success. The videos can be motivational and they can give you a much needed kick up the arse. Believe me, I've needed them sometimes. It's his attitude to work ethic and relationships which I don't believe is healthy.

Gary Vaynerchuck believes you can work 9-5 and then focus on a business idea from seven-midnight. Really? Come on Gary, as passionate as I am about my idea, this isn't right. Gary justifies it by making time for "socialising" between 5-7. Really? Am I going straight from work to meet a friend and not enjoy a meal because there's no atmosphere and we've both rushed there so I can work for five hours after it?

Working 9-5 you're probably up at seven and getting home at six, so you're probably doing 7-6. To think I'm going to bed at midnight after working another five hours on an idea at home (which I'm probably struggling to gain traction with and is frustrating the life out of me) is ludicrous. It's not going to happen.

I can't work 14 hours day on six hours sleep.

Realistically I'm not going to burn myself out, sacrifice friendships, relationships, cut people off, and decline every social invitation. Ironic really, isn't it, working yourself into the ground to get something of it?

That's me though, and I'm trying to do what works for me. I want to share success with people when I get it and I want to go climbing on a Thursday with my mate from school as I've done for the past two years.

If you want to, and can effectively work lots of extra hours on top of your normal day and you're willing to lose a few friends, then do it.

Success is subjective. People perceive it differently, they want different things and take different routes to getting there. Some people are hell bent on getting it, and if they're happy, so be it.

All in all, do whatever you are willing to do in order to achieve your picture of success, just don't believe everything YouTube gurus say.