Proof of life: why fake progress keeps you hooked
Proof of life is a tiny bit of effort, just enough to keep you hoping, from someone who only pretends to share your goal.
They didn’t want the burger joint. They wanted someone to run it.
What it can sound like
i’m working on it, i promise.
see? i did it. that counts.
you never appreciate what i do.
Example lines, made up for illustration.
The idea
- Values can be a mask. Someone can say they share your dream while what they want is your time, energy, effort and money.
- Picture a burger joint. They show up for the photo, not the fryer. They wanted someone else to run it.
- A small win now and then keeps you hooked. It doesn’t have to be much, only enough to say “see, it’s moving.”
Your move
- Look at intent, not words. Who is doing the work, and who benefits from it?
- Count what actually moved over 90 days, not what was promised.
- Ask: if I stopped doing my part, what would be left?
To be fair
Shared values are still the foundation of a good relationship. The problem is fake-shared values.
Keep your own record
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Questions
How can I tell effort from proof of life?
Effort keeps going without being asked and moves the goal forward. Proof of life shows up when you’re about to give up.
What if they really are trying?
Then a 90-day check will show real progress. Trying that produces nothing over and over is worth noticing, kindly.