Summary

In this episode of The Growth Arena, Kaan breaks down one of the biggest myths in personal growth: the belief that “trying harder” is the answer to everything.
Using an excerpt from Seth Godin’s This Is Strategy, we dive into why effort without direction is wasted, why “try harder” is often lazy advice, and how strategy — not hustle — is what creates real change.

We explore:

• Why most people don't have an effort problem, they have a direction problem
• How culture pushes “grind harder” instead of “clarify your path”
• Why effort matters, but only after strategy
• How to read the “waves” of life the same way a surfer does
• How to shift from random effort to intentional progress
• A practical way to audit your direction this week

This episode is all about aligning your energy with what actually moves you forward — so your effort compounds instead of drains.

Takeaways

1. Trying harder isn’t the solution if you’re trying harder in the wrong direction.

Effort doesn’t fix misalignment — clarity does.

2. Effort matters, but strategy determines whether effort becomes progress or burnout.

The goal isn’t to do more; it’s to do what matters.

3. Strategy is simply seeing the map before you run.

Understand the terrain, then choose the path.

4. Life has waves — success comes from reading them, not forcing them.

Timing, awareness, and positioning create momentum.

5. Your effort is the only thing no one can do for you.

But it only counts when it’s directed intentionally.

6. Productivity isn’t the same as progress.

Busy is not the same thing as moving forward.

7. Audit where you’re spending energy:

If you’re exhausted but not advancing, you need a new direction — not more effort.