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Calm the mind using body, calm the body using action

Mind-Body Connection

The phrase highlights the profound influence of physical activity on mental clarity. It suggests that by engaging the body in purposeful action and training, one can cultivate a calmer and more focused mind. This aligns with the growing body of scientific research that supports the benefits of exercise for mental health.

Action as Meditation

The idea of calming the body through action is particularly intriguing. It challenges the traditional notion of meditation as a passive practice, suggesting that dynamic movement can also be a path to inner peace. Physical exertion can serve as a form of mindfulness, grounding the individual in the present moment and allowing the mind to quiet.

Training the Body, Transforming the Mind

Regular training not only improves physical fitness but also develops discipline, resilience, and focus. These qualities can be transferred to mental challenges, enhancing one’s ability to manage stress, overcome obstacles, and achieve personal goals.

~Praveen Jada

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Starting is the only thing, that stops many people

Many people wait for a perfect moment and a perfect condition to start changing their life but in fact starting to do something is the only perfect condition.

The Paralyzing Power of Inertia

“Starting is the only thing that stops many people” encapsulates a profound truth about human behavior. It highlights the often-overlooked fact that the greatest obstacle to achieving goals is often not a lack of resources, skills, or opportunities, but rather the inability to take the initial step.

The Psychology of Inaction

  • Fear of Failure: Many people avoid starting because they fear the possibility of failure. The unknown can be daunting, and the prospect of falling short can be paralyzing.
  • Overwhelm: Complex goals can seem insurmountable, leading to procrastination as individuals attempt to perfect their plans before taking action.
  • Perfectionism: The desire to create something flawless can prevent people from starting at all. This pursuit of perfection often leads to missed opportunities.
  • Procrastination: Putting off tasks due to a lack of motivation or a preference for immediate gratification is a common barrier to starting.

The Power of Momentum

Once the initial step is taken, momentum can build rapidly. Starting, no matter how small, can create a sense of progress and accomplishment that motivates further action. It’s often the first step that is the hardest, but it’s also the most crucial.

Overcoming the inertia of inaction requires a combination of courage, determination, and practical strategies. By understanding the psychological barriers to starting, individuals can develop the mindset and tools necessary to take that first crucial step.

~Praveen Jada

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The Perils of Imitation and copying

If you copy, two things may happen. If you fail, you don’t know how to get up and continue. If you are successful, you don’t know how to sustain as you did not build it.

The statement “do not copy others” encapsulates a fundamental truth about personal and professional growth. It underscores the importance of originality, authenticity, and self-reliance.

The Illusion of Easy Success

Copying others can create the illusion of a shortcut to success. By mimicking the actions or strategies of those who have achieved prominence, individuals may believe they can bypass the challenges and setbacks inherent in personal growth. However, this approach often leads to a superficial and unsustainable outcome.

Lack of Foundation

True success is built on a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and experience. When individuals rely solely on imitation, they neglect to develop their own core competencies. As a result, their achievements become fragile and vulnerable to change.

The Importance of Individuality

Each person possesses unique talents, perspectives, and experiences.

By striving to be a carbon copy of someone else, individuals risk suppressing their own potential. Authentic expression and originality are essential for personal and professional fulfillment.  

Building Resilience

Embracing challenges and learning from failures are crucial components of growth. Those who rely on imitation may lack the resilience to overcome obstacles and setbacks. Developing one’s own path, even if it is fraught with difficulties, fosters the strength and determination necessary for long-term success.  

In conclusion, while learning from others can be valuable, it is essential to find one’s own voice and create a unique path. By focusing on personal growth, developing core competencies, and embracing challenges, individuals can achieve lasting success and fulfillment.

~Praveen Jada

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Wars are not to be won, they must be on-going

The Perpetuation of Conflict
The statement “Wars are not to be won, they must be ongoing” suggests a cynical view of armed conflict as a perpetual state rather than a finite endeavor.

  • Conflict as a System: War is not an isolated event but a complex system with its own internal logic and dynamics. Once initiated, it becomes self-perpetuating, generating its own momentum and rationale for continued existence.
  • Economic and Political Interests: Underlying many conflicts are economic and political interests that benefit from the ongoing state of war. These vested interests create incentives to prolong hostilities, even at great human cost.
  • Power Dynamics: The maintenance of war can serve to reinforce power structures and hierarchies. Those in positions of authority may find it advantageous to perpetuate conflict to maintain their control.
  • Ideological Divisions: Deep-seated ideological differences can create an environment where compromise is difficult and the enemy is dehumanized, making reconciliation and peacebuilding challenging.

This perspective challenges the traditional notion of war as a means to a specific end, suggesting instead that it can become a self-sustaining entity with its own internal logic. It raises important questions about the root causes of conflict, the role of power dynamics, and the challenges of achieving lasting peace.

~Praveen Jada

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The Fading Flame of Potential

The metaphor of a candle aptly illustrates the finite nature of human life and potential. Like a candle with a limited wax supply, each individual possesses a finite reservoir of energy, time, and resources. The flame, representing our consciousness and drive, consumes this wax as we engage with the world.

The ticking clock of existence is a relentless force. With every passing moment, the candle burns brighter, illuminating our path but also inching closer to its inevitable end. This urgency underscores the importance of using our resources wisely. Procrastination, indecision, or a lack of purpose can lead to a premature dimming of our flame, leaving us with unfulfilled potential.

Just as a candle can be extinguished by a gust of wind or a lack of oxygen, external factors can also impact our ability to thrive. Challenges, setbacks, and obstacles can threaten to consume our flame. However, it is in these moments of adversity that we truly discover the strength and resilience of our spirit. Like a candle that burns brighter in the face of a draft, we can find ways to harness challenges as fuel for growth and transformation.

Ultimately, the candle metaphor serves as a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence. It encourages us to live with intention, to embrace our passions, and to make the most of our limited time. By understanding the finite nature of our existence, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for life’s precious moments and find the motivation to live each day to its fullest.

~Praveen Jada

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Building for the Long Haul

The most important things in life—trust, respect, love, happiness—must be painstakingly earned over time, but can be quickly and easily destroyed. As Warren Buffett once said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” One of the simplest mindset shifts you can make to find greater success is simply to extend your time horizon. Measure your major decisions not in months or years but decades. Do that consistently and you will be amazed where you end up.

The passage eloquently underscores the importance of long-term perspective in achieving enduring success. It highlights the delicate balance between construction and destruction, emphasizing that while it takes time and effort to build foundational elements like trust, respect, and love, their erosion can be swift and catastrophic.

  • The fragility of value: The passage underscores the ephemeral nature of intangible assets like trust and respect. These are hard-won but easily lost, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance.
  • The power of long-term thinking: By extending one’s time horizon, individuals can make more strategic decisions aligned with long-term goals rather than short-term gains. This mindset shift can lead to greater fulfillment and success.
  • The importance of consistency: The passage suggests that consistently applying a long-term perspective is crucial. It’s not just about making one or two big, long-term decisions, but rather adopting a habitual mindset.
  • Prioritizing relationships: Understanding the time and effort required to build strong relationships can foster deeper connections and loyalty.
  • Making sustainable choices: Businesses and individuals can make more environmentally and socially responsible decisions by considering the long-term consequences of their actions.
  • Cultivating patience: Recognizing that significant achievements take time can help individuals avoid impulsive decisions and focus on steady progress.

~Praveen Jada

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The Illusion of External Salvation

“I was waiting for something extraordinary to happen, but as the years wasted on, nothing ever did unless I caused it.”

– Charles Bukowski

Extraordinary results are a matter of repeating ordinary actions over a long period of time. Start with ordinary.

Luck doesn’t just happen, it’s created. You can do things to increase the odds of serendipity. Meeting more people makes you lucky. Learning more skills makes you lucky. Being willing to fail makes you lucky. Offering to help others more often makes you lucky.

This poignant statement encapsulates a common human experience: the passive expectation of external validation or extraordinary events to define one’s life. It underscores the realization that significant change often requires proactive action rather than passive waiting.

  • The fallacy of external validation: The quote challenges the notion that happiness or fulfillment comes from external sources. It suggests that true meaning is often found within.
  • The importance of agency: The realization that personal agency is crucial for creating change. Waiting for something extraordinary to happen is often a fruitless endeavor.
  • Time as a precious resource: The phrase “as the years wasted on” highlights the irreversible nature of time and the importance of seizing opportunities.
  • Potential implications:
  • Procrastination: A reliance on external factors can lead to procrastination and missed opportunities.
  • Fear of failure: The fear of taking risks can perpetuate a cycle of waiting for the “perfect” moment.
  • Personal empowerment: Recognizing one’s ability to shape their own destiny is essential for personal growth.

This quote serves as a powerful reminder that our lives are shaped by our choices, not by chance or external forces. It encourages a proactive approach to life, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership of one’s journey.

~Praveen Jada

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Navigating the Complexities of Success and Criticism

It’s impossible to be your best self without disappointing some people some of the time. Unhappy people have a tendency to blame you for your happiness. Don’t make the mistake of apologizing for it. Haters occur in proportion to admiration. Doing anything notable will generate both positive and negative reactions of similar intensity.

It’s impossible to be a life-changing presence to some people without simultaneously being a complete joke to others.

The best response to hate is to simply improve yourself so much that the hater’s criticisms become self-evidently false and empty. The best revenge is to be so undeniably good that there’s no need to ever respond.

The provided text offers a candid perspective on the challenges of personal growth and the inevitable backlash that often accompanies it.

  • The inevitability of criticism: Achieving notable success often attracts both admiration and animosity. This suggests a certain level of psychological preparedness is necessary to navigate such contrasting reactions.
  • Focus on self-improvement: Rather than dwelling on negative criticism, the text emphasizes the importance of continual growth and development as the most effective response to haters.
  • The importance of authenticity: Being true to oneself, even if it means disappointing some people, is crucial for long-term happiness and fulfillment.
    Implications:
  • Resilience: The ability to withstand criticism and maintain focus on personal goals is essential for success.
  • Self-awareness: Understanding one’s impact on others and the potential for both positive and negative reactions can help manage expectations.
  • Long-term perspective: Focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term reactions can provide a sense of purpose and direction.

~Praveen Jada

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Competence vs. Character: The Cornerstones of Success

Competence is how good you are when there is something to gain. Character is how good you are when there is nothing to gain.

People will reward you for competence. But people will only love you for your character.

This statement provides a powerful dichotomy between competence and character, two essential qualities for personal and professional growth.

Competence: The Foundation for Success

  • Tangible Skills: Competence refers to the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform a task effectively. It is often measurable and can be acquired through training, education, and experience.
  • Reward-Driven: Competence is typically demonstrated in situations where there is a clear benefit or reward. It is about achieving goals and delivering results.
  • Essential for Advancement: While competence is crucial for career progression, it is often insufficient on its own.

Character: The Bedrock of Relationships

  • Moral Compass: Character reflects a person’s values, ethics, and integrity. It is about who you are as a person, rather than what you can do.
  • Enduring Value: Character is tested in adversity, when there is nothing to gain and everything to lose. It is the foundation of trust and respect.
  • The Heart of Leadership: Strong character is essential for leadership, as it inspires confidence and loyalty among followers.

The interplay between competence and character is complex. While competence can open doors, character determines how long those doors remain open. Ultimately, both are essential for long-term success and fulfillment.

~Praveen Jada

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Never base your identity on politics

Never base your identity on politics—the world will eventually change, but you won’t. Wisdom is when you stop over-investing in every shiny new idea, feeling, or person that comes along.

  • Identity and Politics: It cautions against defining oneself solely by political beliefs. The political landscape is dynamic, and unwavering allegiance to a particular ideology can limit personal growth and understanding.
  • The Nature of Change: The world is in constant flux. Ideas, trends, and people come and go. Placing excessive importance on these fleeting elements can lead to disappointment and instability.
  • Wisdom and Moderation: True wisdom lies in maintaining a balanced perspective. It’s about avoiding impulsive attachments to every new trend or relationship and instead cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
  • The Importance of Core Values: Rather than basing identity on politics, the quote suggests finding a solid foundation in personal values and ethics. These are more enduring and provide a stronger sense of self.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: Understanding that change is inevitable fosters resilience. Embracing new ideas while maintaining a core identity allows for personal growth without being swept away by every passing trend.
  • Mindfulness and Presence: Over-investment in external factors can distract from the present moment. Wisdom involves cultivating mindfulness and appreciating the here and now.

~Praveen Jada

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Discipline: Overriding the Inner Critic

Discipline is conditioning your brain to not give a shit if it’s hard or it hurts or it sucks.

If it needs to get done, it gets done. “Doing hard things” is a habit that must be practiced, or, like all habits, it will be lost.

  • Mental fortitude: Discipline is primarily a mental battle, rather than a physical one. It’s about training the mind to prioritize goals over immediate gratification.
  • Overcoming discomfort: The ability to push through physical or mental pain is essential for achieving significant results.
  • Ignoring distractions: Discipline involves filtering out distractions and focusing on the task at hand, regardless of how unpleasant it may be.
  • Habit formation: Consistent practice of discipline can lead to the development of strong habits and routines.
  • Goal achievement: Discipline is a cornerstone of success in any area of life.
    Mental toughness: Overcoming challenges builds resilience and mental fortitude.

This perspective challenges the often romanticized view of discipline as something enjoyable. It highlights the gritty reality of self-discipline and the importance of mental toughness.

~Praveen Jada

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Embracing Bold Action and Overcoming Fear

Do the thing you have been avoiding. If you succeed, you will achieve something great. If you fail, you will learn something great. Either way, something great happens. Never let yourself be held back by other people’s fears. People criticize what they are afraid to do themselves. Because bold action reminds them of their own inaction.

This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of personal growth and overcoming obstacles. It challenges the status quo and encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones.

  • The power of action: The statement emphasizes the importance of taking decisive steps, even when faced with uncertainty or fear.
  • Learning from both success and failure: It highlights the idea that both positive and negative outcomes can be valuable learning experiences.
  • Ignoring critics: The passage encourages individuals to focus on their own goals rather than being deterred by the opinions of others.
  • Overcoming fear: It suggests that fear is often a projection of one’s own insecurities onto others.
  • Personal growth: Taking risks and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is essential for personal development.
  • Resilience: The ability to learn from both successes and failures is crucial for building resilience.

This message is particularly relevant in today’s world, where fear of failure often prevents people from pursuing their dreams. It serves as a powerful reminder that taking bold action is often the first step towards achieving extraordinary results.
Ignoring negativity: Focusing on personal goals and ignoring external criticism can lead to greater self-confidence.

~Praveen Jada

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The Power of Mundanity

The older I get, the more I realize that success at most things isn’t about finding the one trick or secret nobody knows about.

It’s consistently doing the boring, mundane things everyone knows about but is too unfocused/undisciplined to do.

  • Get good at boring.
  • Get comfortable with silence. That way you will only feel the need to speak when you have something important to say. Get comfortable with boredom. That way you will only feel the need to do something when it is actually worth doing.
  • The myth of the quick fix: Many people seek shortcuts or secret formulas for success, overlooking the value of consistent effort.
  • Discipline over inspiration: While inspiration can be a powerful motivator, discipline is the cornerstone of sustained achievement.
  • The value of silence and boredom: These states can foster focus, creativity, and a deeper understanding of oneself.
  • Prioritizing process over outcome: Focusing on the quality of one’s actions rather than solely on the end result can lead to greater satisfaction and resilience.
  • Cultivating patience: Success often requires sustained effort over time. Embracing the journey, rather than solely fixating on the destination, is essential.

This perspective challenges the often-glamorized notion of success and offers a practical, grounded approach to achieving one’s goals. It encourages readers to value consistency, discipline, and patience as essential components of a fulfilling life.
Developing mental fortitude: The ability to withstand boredom and distractions is a valuable skill that contributes to overall success.

~Praveen Jada

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Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain

In short term Toxic people get all the attention. In long run which may be painful, Healthy people get all the happiness. In short term Pessimists get to sound smart. In long run which may be painful Optimists get to see glory.

Toxic vs. Healthy: While toxic individuals may grab attention in the short term, their behavior often leads to strained relationships and isolation. Healthy individuals, on the other hand, build strong connections and lasting happiness over time.

Pessimism vs. Optimism: Pessimism can be superficially appealing due to its perceived realism. However, optimism, while challenging at times, is linked to greater resilience, better problem-solving, and overall life satisfaction.

Essentially, these contrasts emphasize the importance of considering both short-term and long-term consequences when making decisions and interacting with others. It’s a reminder that while instant gratification might be tempting, sustainable happiness and success are often found in choices that prioritize long-term well-being.

~Praveen Jada

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