Hey, Bob here!
When I talk about Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable,
I’m not just talking about getting through a tough workout or pushing
through a challenging career moment. I’m talking about making the decision
to keep going, no matter how tough the circumstances, even when it feels
like everything is stacked against you.
Let me introduce you to Stoyan Yankov,
a guy whose journey has been one of persistence, resilience, and
overcoming discomfort to find success. From growing up in post-communist
Bulgaria to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Stoyan’s story is an embodiment
of the power of persistence and choosing to never quit,
no matter the challenges life throws at you.
From Struggling to Thriving
Stoyan’s journey started in Bulgaria, where he grew up during a time of great
political and economic change. While many in his country struggled in the face
of a transition from communism to a democratic society,
Stoyan learned the value of hard work, consistency, and loyalty.
His parents, both teachers, instilled in him these core values,
but it wasn’t until Stoyan went to the U.S. at the age of 21 that he
truly learned what it meant to embrace discomfort.
In the U.S., he was given a job that nobody wanted: housekeeping at a golf resort.
It wasn’t the glamorous job he had hoped for, but Stoyan was determined to
not only show up but to excel. His passion for connecting with people and his persistence
eventually earned him a spot as a bellman—his dream job. The persistence didn’t stop there.
Stoyan worked long hours in warehouses while pursuing his passion for filmmaking,
a pursuit that ultimately led him to a career as a producer.
But the road wasn’t always easy.
The Struggle Behind the Success
After finishing school, Stoyan had a choice to make: continue down the path of finance
or pursue his passion for filmmaking. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially as he watched
his classmates land prestigious jobs at banks and top firms.
But Stoyan chose to follow his passion, and that choice wasn’t without its challenges.
He faced financial struggles, worked long hours, and dealt with the harsh realities
of entrepreneurship. When he launched his own business, he quickly found himself
$50,000 in debt and struggling with a business partner whose values didn’t align
with his own. But even in the face of mounting debt and stress, Stoyan chose to show up
every day, working tirelessly to pay off his debts and keep his company afloat.
Lessons from Stoyan’s Journey
- Persistence Pays Off – Stoyan’s story is a testament to the power of persistence. Whether he was knocking on doors to switch jobs or facing overwhelming debt as an entrepreneur, Stoyan never gave up.
- Choose to Show Up – When the going gets tough, showing up every day is half the battle. Stoyan’s resilience teaches us that sometimes you just have to keep showing up, even when the situation seems impossible.
- Embrace Discomfort – The discomfort of learning something new, switching careers, or starting from scratch can feel overwhelming, but it’s in those uncomfortable moments that we truly grow and transform.
Why Stoyan’s Story Matters
Stoyan’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t about avoiding discomfort—
it’s about leaning into it. His story shows that even when life knocks you down,
you have the power to rise again, find your footing, and carve your own path to success.
Until next time,
Bob
