Quotes
“Human knowledge is never contained in one person. It grows from the relationships we create between each other and the world, and still, it is never complete.” — (When Breath Becomes Air) Paul Kalanithi.
“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and other people build windmills” — Chinese Proverb.
“When you reinvent yourself, there is no room for shame or apology; if you are moving toward where you want to be, you should hold your head up high and be proud.” — Brian Buffini.
“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have 24-hour days.” —Zig Ziglar.
“The successful warrior is the average man with laser-like focus.” —Bruce Lee.
“Beating the competition is very doable. Beating yourself is a never-ending commitment which sometimes feels impossible.” — Teronie J. Donaldson (Yep, that's me, cool, right?)
Notes/Observations
If you're not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.
These words rang in my ears all week. I am continuing to learn digital skills, and some days I procrastinate, but when I heard this quote, it reinvigorated me to keep learning.
Articles
Watched
I loved this interview as it perfectly combines hip-hop and financial education.
Book of the Week
"Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth
Duckworth explores the idea that grit, a combination of passion and perseverance, is a significant factor in determining success, even more so than innate talent.
Duckworth begins by sharing her personal journey and her insights as a psychologist, blending personal anecdotes with scientific research to make a compelling case for grit as a predictor of achievement. She argues that talent alone isn't enough to achieve long-term success and that grit is the secret sauce that allows individuals to overcome obstacles and continue striving for their goals.
The book provides numerous real-life examples of individuals from various fields, such as education, sports, and business, who exemplify grit and have achieved remarkable success despite adversity. Duckworth's writing is accessible, and her storytelling keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.
One of the strengths of "Grit" is its practicality. Duckworth offers insights on developing and nurturing grit in oneself and others, making it more of a self-help guide than just a theoretical exploration. She provides strategies for setting long-term goals, maintaining passion, and persisting through challenges.
While the book makes a strong case for grit, some readers may find it lacking in addressing the nuances of individual circumstances and the role of external success factors. It tends to oversimplify the idea that talent plays a minimal role, which may not be entirely accurate in all situations.
In conclusion, "Grit" is a compelling book that challenges the traditional notion of success tied to innate talent. It highlights the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals and offers practical advice on cultivating grit. While it may not provide all the answers, it is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand better the psychology of achievement and the importance of tenacity in pursuing their ambitions.
Strategy
Practicing Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying focused and non-judgmental attention to the present moment. It can be a powerful tool for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and creating positive change in your life.
By incorporating mindfulness into your life, you can better understand how your thoughts and beliefs shape your personal reality.
Question
Look back ten years, and you can probably identify a few blind spots or mistaken beliefs you held then.
Now, fast forward ten years from today... what are likely to be your current blind spots?
What are you not spending enough time thinking about or perhaps even willfully ignoring?