Novelty of pursuit keeps creativity alive. 

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“Writing is hard for every last one of us… Coal mining is harder. Do you think miners stand around all day talking about how hard it is to mine for coal? They do not. They simply dig.” – Cheryl Strayed

True for writing. True for mining. True for almost everything else that feels hard.

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Algorithms are making our consumption less diverse – just like fast food companies ensure we eat same kind of stuff.

We need diversity and high-quality in what we feed to our bodies and what we feed our minds with.We don’t have to surrender to algorithmic content.

Choose your sources wisely.

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You’ve really come a long way along the road to maturity if your mind today is not troubled by events of the past or fear of an uncertain future.

It may not be 100% possible, but the aspiration of achieving equanimity is a worthy one to pursue.

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This has to be one of the best definitions of success I have come across.

“To laugh often and much: To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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There is no fun in life and work if a clear future is charted for you with certainty. The joy is in finding your own unique path. 

Joseph Campbell rightly said, “If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.”

But how do you carve your own path? By trying out stuff. By taking diversions. Investing in areas where your skills overlap. Making mistakes. Failing fast and often. Adapting and learning from it. It’s only when you try many things that you find a few that are worthwhile.

Tom Peters, who I had the privilege of speaking with once, said: Whoever tries the most stuff wins. 

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“I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.” – Robin Williams

Be careful about who you choose to spend your time with!

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Don’t waste your words explaining things to someone who is:

a) Not capable of understanding 

b) Not willing to understand

That is a waste of your energy. If someone is not capable of understanding your point of view, you can still explain, teach, clarify and educate. 

But if someone is not willing to understand, that is a problem of intention.

Save yourself by not explaining.

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“I have to study” seems like a complain. It speaks of a compulsion.

“I get to study” seems like gratitude. That you get to study in a world where so many kids don’t have the privilege of going to a school. 

Replace “I have to…” with “I get to…” and your mindset about your work, family, health, relationships, money, experiences etc. will change. 

When you change your language, it shifts your perspective for better. 

With change in perspective, we think, do and feel different. 

It’s magical. 

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