Saif Faisal

16 | Muslim | Memorizing Quran | Building online

Writing about discipline, self-mastery, health, and faith.

Lessons learned the hard way.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

New article just published.

I talk about how I used Summer 2026 to boost my health, faith, business, and academics out of the roof, and how you can too.

On Substack: https://t.co/teUp50GGD2

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

1 week isn't enough for real progress.

But it is enough for a real mindset shift.

I spent 1 week grinding SAT.

Sure I improved, but it taught me:

That I can get a 1500+.

Fix your mind, then your actions.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Showing up sometimes isn't the hard part.

It's actually putting the work in after you show up.

It sounds counterintuitive, but think about it:

If we not only put in the work to get there, but to also do the work, which one is easier??

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

T20.

Aka the top 20 colleges in the US.

Before, I was aiming for a low-level college.

But now, I've realized how special and how much potential I have, I'm aiming for the ivies.

Inshallah.

"Shoot for the moon even if you miss you'll land among the stars."

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Missing a family member is one thing.

But feeling like he/she is permanently gone is another.

Life is rough, even for 16 year olds, and I’ve learned that.

You only really understand someone’s value when they’re gone.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

There'll be periods in your life where you'll be intensely involved in something.

But don't let it become your identity.

The SAT for example:

I'm studying 3-4 hours a day, every day.

But I've let it become my identity, and not part of me.

Don't make that mistake.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

The Odyssey.

Watched it a couple days ago.

The story of a man who embarks on a journey with his men.

Reminded me of myself: how I've overcome different obstacles and still have to face many more hurdles.

Lust, injury, illness, losses, stresses.

But it'll all pay off.

Soon.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

First SAT down, one more to go.

Practiced again and again for 5 months.

Just one more month could 40,000 dollars in the future.

Just one more month of pain and suffering.

Building every day.

With patience.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Still hanging on.

Body still weak and aching, and my head is just horrible.

But I'm still here, I'm still pushing alhamdulillah.

Also, I asked my classmates for updates.

They left me on read.

Makes you realize how fake they are.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

You only cherish things when you don't have them.

Like your health.

Got sick, throat throbbing, mouth aching.

I’ve learned that God only tests those whose He loves.

Inshallah I’ll get better soon.

For now: I’ll keep praying and building.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Never let your guard down.

Because the evils will then be ready to strike.

Yesterday, I relaxed for a bit. But I left myself vulnerable for whispers and deceptions.

Learned my lesson:

Always keep your guard up and say alert.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Everybody says to take breaks, but not how:

Yesterday, I "forgot" about SAT, business, & school.

Instead, I only spent time with my family, made jokes, and spent time doing "stupid" things.

Taking a break isn't planning.

It's catching up on the things that you left behind.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Hygiene. One of the most underrated measures of success.

Body, grooming, facial, and oral hygiene all matter.

I went to the dentist today.

Realized that oral hygiene shouldn't be neglected.

Brushing your teeth saves thousands of dollars.

Stay hygienic.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Events are #1 way to learn about the world, others, and yourself.

Yesterday, I volunteered for a health fair.

Best. Decision. Ever.

Learned so much about others, professionals, and myself.

Talked to amazing people, and realized how sweet people are.

Lesson:

Attend events.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

In a world where people are losing their jobs daily, here's the #1 thing that'll protect you:

Making connections.

Not networking "casually".

But networking with purpose.

Yesterday, I got a very valuable person's number.

Making connections is needed if you want to survive.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Your mother is your sofa.

Sometimes even literally, but she's the one and only person that you go to for comfort, safety, and warmth.

Out of all the 8+ billion people on the planet, your mother is the most precious.

Yesterday, I needed her comfort.

So hold on to her.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

@KevinSzabo14 Facts.

That's why I'm building daily at just 16 years old.

Started about 9 months ago. Faced a lot challenges.

But I'm still going.

Don't know what the future looks like, but I'm building towards something.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Trust isn't something that "just happens."

It's something that's built.

Month after month. Year after year.

Yesterday, my classmates said something that hit me:

"Out of everyone, I trust you the most."

Then I realized:

Trust isn't just earned, it's built.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

@Tim_Denning It's true. Well partially.

The thing is, your dark side should only be used almost never.

Kindness and patience are the traits you should be using daily.

But everybody thinks that being tough and rude is the better way.

Wonder why...

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

SAT.

It's a one-time, maybe two-time thing.

And it's only 2 1/2 hours.

But, it takes hundreds upon hundreds hours of study.

It's not a scam, just a test that asks for too much.

I'm studying daily for a 1500+. God willingly.

It's boring, but needed for my future.

[Saif Faisal @thejourneyofSF2]

Entrepreneurship.

The least I can say about it at 16 years old is that it's a rabbit hole.

A big one.

Every day, I'm trying to build not only my personal brand, but also another business around something else I love.

It's hard, but that's what it takes.

Building daily.