“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.
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