You’ve probably heard a million times that hard work, grit, and determination are the keys to making it big. But let’s be real: determination alone can only get you so far. If you’re missing the special something that makes life more fun, exciting, and authentic, all the determination in the world won’t cut it. And here's the kicker – what actually gets you further in life is gayness.
Yes, you heard that right. Being unapologetically gay (or tapping into that energy) gives you a ticket to more freedom, better relationships, sharper creativity, and the kind of confidence that determination just can’t match. Let’s dive in and break down why.
Confidence Through Authenticity
When you’re gay, especially if you’ve gone through coming out and learning to live openly, you’ve already done something most people can’t even imagine. You’ve had to deal with figuring out who you are, deciding to share that with the world, and then living authentically despite whatever backlash or obstacles came your way. That kind of experience sharpens you in ways determination alone never could.
Example 1: Imagine a straight person hesitating to wear something bold or make a statement because they’re worried what people might think. For a gay person who’s already had to push through years of being told to fit in, that fear isn’t as strong anymore. They’re more likely to dress how they want, act how they want, and own the room.
Example 2: Ever notice how some of the most successful gay people have this unshakable sense of who they are? Think Elton John, RuPaul, or Anderson Cooper. That’s not just talent; that’s the confidence that comes from authenticity.
Confidence through authenticity isn’t just about being yourself—it’s about having gone through something that makes you unafraid of doing so. This kind of self-assuredness often helps you win people over, take bigger risks, and stand out in ways that pure determination could never achieve.
Creativity and Style: The Gay Advantage
There’s a reason why so many gay people are at the top in fields like fashion, design, entertainment, and even business. Being gay often means seeing the world differently and, by extension, being more open to creativity. The determination to work hard is great, but it won’t suddenly make you see the world in a more colorful, interesting way. Gayness, on the other hand, often comes packaged with a natural inclination toward creativity, style, and thinking outside the box.
Example 1: Consider how many successful brands and trends in fashion and culture were created or driven by gay people. It’s not just because they worked hard – it’s because they were able to bring something new and exciting to the table, something different from the mainstream.
Example 2: Even in everyday life, the ability to inject humor, wit, and style into any situation is something you see in gay circles more often. A determined straight person might have the drive to build a business or manage a project, but gay people are often the ones who add that extra flair that makes something truly stand out.
This creativity and sense of style aren’t just limited to traditionally “creative” fields. They pop up in how gay people approach problem-solving, how they communicate, and even how they network. Determination might get you through the grind, but a flair for creativity is what sets you apart.
50 Determination Tips (1-17)
- 1Use a whiteboard for daily to-do lists.
- 2Write down one thing you achieved every night.
- 3Divide a project into sections and tackle one per day.
- 4Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break (Pomodoro Technique).
- 5Put your phone on airplane mode while working.
- 6Tackle your toughest task first thing in the morning.
- 7Imagine your success celebration in detail.
- 8Listen to an inspiring podcast during your commute.
- 9Clean your workspace before starting a task.
- 10Look at a photo of a proud moment when demotivated.
- 11Write exact times for tasks in your calendar.
- 12Switch to a coffee shop for a day's work.
- 13Go for a 20-minute walk (or run) each morning.
- 14Decline invitations that clash with your work schedule.
- 15Repeat encouraging words aloud each morning.
- 16Attend workshops related to your goals.
- 17Try a new hobby to keep your mind fresh.
Building Stronger Connections
Let’s face it: life’s a lot easier when you know how to build and maintain great relationships. Being gay often means having to find and build your own networks, sometimes outside of traditional structures like family or work. Because of this, gay people often become experts at creating meaningful connections and building communities that actually support them.
- Example 1: A straight person with determination might push through a tough career or social situation alone. Meanwhile, a gay person is more likely to find allies, build chosen families, and lean on others in ways that make things not only easier but also more enjoyable.
- Example 2: Networking events can feel stuffy or transactional, but put a bunch of gay people in a room together, and you get a totally different vibe. There’s often a stronger sense of camaraderie, and people are more open to connecting beyond just exchanging business cards. This ability to connect deeply and authentically often creates opportunities that determination alone can’t.
Building stronger connections also comes down to emotional intelligence. Being gay often means you’ve had to deal with tricky social situations, understand different perspectives, and develop empathy. Those are skills that naturally translate into better networking, stronger friendships, and more fruitful collaborations.
Resilience That Goes Beyond Determination
Determination is all about pushing through tough times, but resilience involves bouncing back stronger. The resilience many gay people develop is a special kind that comes from facing rejection, discrimination, or misunderstanding – often from people who are supposed to be supportive.
Example 1: Think about someone who’s had to come out to unsupportive family or colleagues. They’ve faced fear, disappointment, and sometimes even hostility. But they come out of that situation tougher, smarter, and more strategic in how they handle challenges.
Example 2: The ability to laugh things off is another form of resilience that’s common in gay culture. While determination says, “Keep pushing forward,” resilience with a touch of humor says, “Laugh it off, and move on.” That’s a whole different kind of strength that keeps you going without burning out.
This resilience also means being flexible, adapting quickly, and knowing when to pivot. Determination is like a train moving on a single track, but resilience involves knowing when to switch tracks, when to slow down, or when to take a break and come back stronger. This adaptability is something that many gay people develop and use to their advantage in both personal and professional spheres.
50 Determination Tips (18-34)
- 18Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier to start the day productively.
- 19Volunteer in community events to build discipline.
- 20Find a mentor for guidance.
- 21Redecorate your workspace for new energy.
- 22Limit TV or streaming to specific days.
- 23Start a small side project.
- 24Join a local club or organization in your interest area.
- 25Schedule regular check-ins with a friend about your goals.
- 26Track your progress with a mobile app.
- 27Read 10 pages of a motivating book each night.
- 28Complete one online tutorial weekly.
- 29Create a vision board in your room.
- 30Declutter your desk every Sunday.
- 31Update a to-do list app nightly.
- 32Prepare your work outfit the night before (even if you work from home!)
- 33Drink a glass of water every work hour.
- 34Limit social media to 30 minutes daily.
Knowing When to Play and When to Push
One of the most underrated skills that comes with gayness is the ability to blend work and play in a way that keeps life vibrant. Determination might keep you focused, but it can also lead to burnout if you never learn to take a break or inject some fun into what you’re doing. Gayness often brings a sense of playfulness and an appreciation for the lighter side of life that many determined people miss out on.
Example 1: Ever notice how some gay events are all about blending business with fun? A determined person might go to a conference and stick strictly to networking and learning, while gay people are more likely to find the balance between doing that and having a great time at the after-parties. This mix makes the whole experience more enjoyable, sustainable, and effective.
Example 2: Even in professional settings, there’s often more humor, creativity, and flair in environments that have a strong gay presence. This ability to keep things light, even when working hard, is often what makes teams more cohesive and creative.
Knowing when to play and when to push isn’t about slacking off. It’s about understanding that life isn’t just about grinding all the time. Gayness often brings with it a mindset that prioritizes living fully, whether that’s through self-expression, humor, or enjoying the company of others. That mindset is what keeps you going long-term, making it easier to sustain effort without feeling drained.
The Real Secret: Self-Acceptance
At the end of the day, the real advantage gayness gives you isn’t just about confidence, creativity, or resilience – it’s about self-acceptance. When you accept yourself fully, quirks and all, you’re less worried about fitting into molds that were never meant for you in the first place. Determination can make you work hard to fit into those molds, but self-acceptance lets you break them entirely.
Example 1: A gay person who’s fully embraced who they are doesn’t waste time pretending to be someone else just to fit in. That freedom from people-pleasing opens up space for more creativity, bolder risks, and deeper relationships.
Example 2: This self-acceptance also makes it easier to set your own standards for success rather than chasing what others think success should look like. You’re more likely to take unconventional paths, try different things, and ultimately find what works for you.
Self-acceptance isn’t something that’s always easy to achieve, but it’s a game-changer when you get there. It’s what allows you to be flexible, to pivot, and to keep moving forward even when the path isn’t clear. It’s also what makes life feel more fulfilling because you’re not constantly chasing some external idea of success.
Wasteful Connection
Networking can be a waste of time, if you simply attend to look for "something good" - you may end up chatting for no benefits. With that said, you shouldn't underestimate a good network. Connect with other entrepreneurs, join online communities, and attend virtual events. You'd better proactively look for valuable advice and support for specific purposes.
If there are new business opportunities, that's a good plus, but don't expect more than you wish for.
Determination Leads Success: Gayness Wins Every Time
So here’s the bottom line: while determination is definitely useful, it’s far from the most powerful thing out there. Gayness – with all its confidence, creativity, connection-building, resilience, and self-acceptance – brings a whole set of skills and advantages that determination can’t compete with. If you’re trying to get ahead, maybe it’s time to tap into those aspects of yourself that bring color, fun, and authenticity into everything you do. Determination might push you forward, but gayness makes the ride worthwhile.
The online world changes fast, and so should you. Keep up with the latest trends, learn new skills, and stay curious. The more you learn, the more you can apply to your business to keep it fresh and relevant.
Starting an online business is no small feat. It takes courage, hard work, and a lot of determination. But remember, every big success started somewhere. Stay focused, stay driven, and who knows where your determination will take you.
50 Determination Tips (35-50)
- 35Use sticky notes for quick daily goals.
- 36Walk or cycle to work instead of driving.
- 37Introduce a new healthy snack weekly.
- 38Choose one day a week for complete rest.
- 39Attend a new networking event monthly.
- 40Swap an hour of TV for skill-building.
- 41Write three things you're grateful for daily.
- 42Set a specific bedtime for workdays.
- 43Try a new sport/fitness class.
- 44Read industry news for 15 minutes daily.
- 45Teach someone a skill you're good at.
- 46Set a specific, realistic financial saving goal.
- 47Plan your week every Sunday evening.
- 48Commit to a monthly book reading.
- 49Listen to chilled music while working.
- 50Challenge yourself with a new recipe weekly.