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Not long after starting my new blog, I felt the joy of gaining subscribers and getting more comfortable with writing. However, in this moment of happiness, I received a ‘invalid traffic’ related sanction message from Google. It mentioned fraudulent clicks, not a significant issue, but it dampened my mood. With not many visitors yet and the possibility of another problem arising, I contemplated whether it might be a waste of time to continue.

Suddenly, memories of past experiences surfaced, reminding me that every new beginning comes with its share of challenges. Among the things I started with indifference, some failed, some brought significant rewards, and of course, there were instances where I casually started something and easily abandoned it.

Throughout life, there are numerous occasions for fresh starts, from New Year’s resolutions to life-changing projects and casual encounters. However, for some reason, these beginnings often come with initial challenges. Sometimes, the thought of giving up crosses our minds. Feeling disheartened in such situations is only natural.

Yet, upon closer reflection, I realized that these experiences are not unique to me; they are shared by everyone. In Korea and China, there’s a saying: ‘好事多魔’ (good things come with demons). It implies that good things are often accompanied by obstacles, teaching us the lesson that overcoming difficulties is necessary to achieve our goals. It’s also known as ‘好事多妨’ (good things come with hindrances).

Obstacles at the start might be a sign to reconsider, a sort of ‘No Go’ signal. As Heinrich’s law suggests, they could also be early indicators of unfavorable outcomes. In other words, difficulties and setbacks at the beginning of a new venture could either be inherent challenges or signs that the process everyone goes through is unfolding.

Therefore, regardless of the outcome, when undertaking something new, it’s crucial to understand that challenging processes or uncomfortable situations will inevitably arise. Instead of simply thinking ‘it’s unlucky’ or ‘the signs are not good,’ it’s important to assess whether it’s an inherent aspect of the task or just a shared experience for everyone.

Regarding Google’s ad posting restriction, I chose to see it as one of the many hindrances that come with the territory of positive developments. This is because I genuinely enjoy writing. With that mindset, when I visited the site’s page again, I found that the ads had disappeared, making it much more pleasant to read. It’s a clear example of how a change in mindset from an unfavorable situation can quickly turn into a positive one. Life, indeed, is full of uncertainties, as the saying ‘새옹지마 (塞翁之馬)’ suggests.”