The four stages of transformation nobody warns you about when you make it out of the mud.
- You become the textbook success story — the one who made it out.
- “If I can do it, they can too.” It sounds inspiring but can quickly grow into resentment. Nobody helped me and I was able to do it. Why can’t they figure it out like I did?
- “If they knew better, they’d do better.” Everyone needs help sometimes. Who better to teach them than someone who can relate? You’ve been where they are.
- “Don’t save ’em, they don’t wanna be saved.” Accept the things you can’t control. Grief sets in when you realize everybody can’t come. Thank God you made it out, but it’s lonely at the top.