They hate you because you exposed their excuses

Writing this from my apartment roof in The Gulch, thinking about a DM I just got from someone back in Carpentersville.

"Must be nice having rich parents."

(Funny, because we literally grew up in the same neighborhood. They know exactly what my parents do for a living.)

But here's the thing about success...

The people from your hometown hate it the most.

Why?

Because you remove all their excuses.

Quick story:

Last week, someone I went to high school with posted a paragraph about how "some people just get lucky in life."

The irony?

We:

• Grew up on the same street

• Went to the same schools

• Had the same teachers

• Had the same opportunities

• Started from the same spot

The only difference?

While they were talking about starting a business, I was building one. While they were watching Netflix, I was learning skills. While they were making excuses, I was making moves.

Here's what most people don't want to admit:

Your success triggers them because it proves one painful truth:

They could have done it too.

You're not special. You weren't "lucky." You didn't have any advantages.

You just did the work they refused to do.

And that's what makes them uncomfortable.

Because now they have to face the reality that their life isn't the way it is because:

• "The system is rigged"

• "You need money to make money"

• "It's all about who you know"

Their life is the way it is because of their choices.

The truth?

Every time they see you win, it reminds them of what they could have been.

Every time you level up, it exposes their excuses.

Every time you succeed, it proves they failed themselves.

But here's the plot twist:

Their resentment is actually a sign you're on the right path.

If the people from your hometown still love everything you do... You probably haven't grown much since high school.

To burning bridges,

Grant