Quotes
“I'm not afraid of dying, I’m afraid of not trying.” ―Jay-Z.
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”—Anonymous.
“A great way to understand yourself is to seriously reflect on everything you find irritating in others.” — Kevin Kelly.
“Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered.”―Dr. Seuss.
"Your relationships will rarely be healthier than your self-esteem."—James Clear.
“Productivity isn’t about being busy; it’s about being busy with purpose.” — Teronie J. Donaldson (Yup, that’s me cool, right?)
Notes/Observations
Life, by its very nature, is unpredictable. Many events are outside our control, from macroeconomic trends affecting our careers to the actions of others impacting our personal lives. Accepting this unpredictability can free us from the burden of control and open us up to the possibilities of life.
Articles
Watched
Book of the Week
"When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi is a profoundly moving memoir that delves into the life and death of a young neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Kalanithi, who was in the midst of completing his residency and embarking on a promising career, faced his diagnosis with a unique perspective formed by his dual roles as both a doctor and a patient.
The book is divided into two parts, with the first exploring Kalanithi's journey through medical school and his reflections on what makes life meaningful. The second part details his struggle with cancer and how he, along with his family, copes with the shifting dynamics of his illness and his dwindling time.
Kalanithi's writing is elegant and thoughtful, infused with a poignant understanding of the fragility of life. He reflects deeply on mortality, human relationships, and the intersection of science and spirituality.
The memoir is not just about death but also about life, as Kalanithi strives to find meaning and purpose in his final days.
Lucy Kalanithi, his wife, contributes an epilogue that adds further emotional depth to the narrative, offering insights into their personal ordeal and her own resilience in facing the loss of her husband.
"When Breath Becomes Air" is a touching meditation on death, but more importantly, it is an inspiring book that challenges readers to think about how they live their lives. It is beautifully written, heart-wrenchingly honest, and a valuable text for anyone grappling with the inevitability of mortality.
Strategy
“Whenever I find myself wanting to do something new or adding another task to my to-do list, I ask myself “Is this a shiny object?” (From “Unfiltered” by Tim Denning)
“9 times out of 10, it is. Scary.”
Our brain loves shiny objects because often they’re a distraction from doing hard work or addressing a painful task we’ve been putting off.
Shiny objects help us escape the unknown. If you’re not careful, you can chase shiny objects your entire life across endless rainbows with no pot of gold.
Be careful of the shiny objects of distraction.
Question
How are you making the most out of today?