I recently read a book called "So Good They Can't Ignore You" and whilst it was a little bit longer than I think it needed to be, some of the concepts really stuck with me. One was the idea that if you take the time to learn something that no one else is putting the effort in to learn, you'll always be in demand. The other thing I really liked is he described the learning process as "sprints" - Sometimes you just have to schedule a burst where you get your head down and push through as hard as you can, even when there's resistance. When I was at University studying Music there was a joke: "How do you get a guitar player to stop playing? Put some sheet music in front of them" and we laughed because it's absolutely true. The majority of electric-guitarists are self taught and don't read sheet music at all so when 30 of us were sat in a room being told to read Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star from a page, we'd all keep uncontrollably deviating into playing things we already knew. Things we had played 100s of times before. We were subconsciously doing this to restore our ego because we felt vulnerable being out of comfort zone. I'd wager that the guys who actually stuck with learning to read the music are the ones who broke into the Music Industry whereas the rest (myself included) ended up giving up on it. The point I'm trying to make is people get used to remaining in their comfort zone but it's when you force yourself out of that comfort zone, that's when you start to really set yourself apart. Be uncomfortable for a while and then realise the effect it has on you in the long term. No one ever said "I spent a month practicing this and I'm worse than when I started"
I watch a lot of your videos as your technical information relates closely with my job and I find them immensely helpful. I was thinking the other day though how I hadn't seen anything like this from you in a while and it's a refreshing change of pace. Intentionally or not, you're an inspiring dude John. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and expertise, it's very much appreciated.
John, thank you so much for this. For the past year, I have watched your videos. From AZ-900 to MS-900, SC-900 and AZ-104. You have helped me understand the material and pass these exams. You are so motivating, I am even trying a small marathon in the next few months. Thank you for everything you do and the joy you spread. Hope all is well, keep up the great work !
This is a much needed video. I've lost my job earlier this week. This happened for the first time in my 13 years of career. I know this is a phase. I know that I can come back strong. Thank you John.
Sorry to hear that, that's a horrible thing and hope you can quickly get past the disappointment, realize it likely is no reflection on you and that you bounce back to bigger and better things. Good luck to you.
Thank you for being good people John! Thank you for stepping up, reaching out, and making a difference! Not only do you just put goodness out into the world to be different than the rest and help people out of the kindness of your heart to grow technically, you put out videos like this one. Thanks for all you do sir!
Thanks John. Struggling with some anxiety and motivation at the moment and this helped. Have never heard the phrase “stand up to yourself” before, but it rings true.
What a blessing to have found you. I realized that i can not only do what i have done, if i want more than i already have. I needed to grow and then i tried out so many things in the past year and finally i got to the point to make AZ-900 first and only that. Found a bad tutorial and then you. You dont just teach what i need, you even seem to follow the same principles. I think i have never had a better teacher. Thank you so much and i wanna close this with "Do something that sucks everyday" (David Goggings)!
This is a much needed reminder John. I truly believe and live by this! Comfort is a slow death! I really think some of the best things in life make us uncomfortable. In the end life is extremely short and we all need reminders like this to make the most of the time we have! Appreciate all the wisdom you have to offer!
Brilliant video and perspective. I'm struggling to just start most of the time. Wasn't always this way. Used to do plenty of the 'hard'. Then became comfortable, and too used to the 'easy'.
Hi John, I must say i love these motivational videos and your delivery of them, a great skill by itself - please do keep sharing them, they make a difference. Anyone who hasnt already watched your Keynote video, it is immense. Thank you.
Very interesting concept that you should cover. I like it. Also, in the Quran, there is a passage that says.."With hardship, comes ease". So this doing something hard will make your life easier is absolutely the best and correct way to go about life.
Thank you for making sure this content is available on the channel. A very refreshing and relevant topic connecting to all the study material usually we get from you! All the best
Thanks John, top video - these ones are extra special to me, like you said, sometimes we do things because they are hard / and not easy, yet others are struggles in different ways, quite a few of these I do struggle with, some more than others, though I hope to keep trying, thanks again!
John, you're such an inspiration. I've recently started working out again. It's hard, but the reward is even bigger running the first mile. Thank you for inspiring me and the Azure community.
I felt the same around starting my certifications journey - AZ900 done, AZ104 next and it is something I am trying to get done thanks to your material. It makes the learning much easier :)
Thank you, it’s always interesting to me to see how people I respect explain things in a way I totally understand and appreciate. I’m sure you hear this a lot but you have helped me and countless others I’m sure and I thank you for that.
Thank you. What a great video and unusual topic you address! It comes at the right time. I'm having a hard time right now, but I feel motivated by you! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this perspective. Preparing for the az-104 is the hardest thing I've attempted to do, but if I never pass the exam I'll have to face harder challenges, which will only get harder as time passes.
and if you don't pass the first time just make note of where you were weakest, focus on that and crush it the next time. The only real failure is to give up.
Thank you very much John Savil! This is very much inspiring. Can you please share the slide or the screenshot of it, looking forward to make it as my phone wall paper ❤
