I’ll admit that I’m one to add, add, add. And sometimes, it does make me happy because I’m adding things I truly enjoy. But I often have this idea of big and bold activities that will make me happy (a second income, volunteering, another degree, a new morning routine, a new evening routine), when I’m often happiest and most fulfilled just spending lots of time with the people I love.
I love the title of this piece — it’s so achingly true. Go back to the roots. Stop overcomplicating things. Thank you for a lovely reminder.
You do make an interesting point. It’s actually good to dabble in things you find fun and interesting - that’s part of fulfilment too.
But as you say, the overarching happiness is already yours for the taking. Once you have food, shelter and community, you have all the tools for a good life.
Thanks for reading, comment and for your thought-provoking angle.
Great post Eren! This same idea dawned on me recently, resulting on me making some changes in my own life. Namley in the way of drastically reducing partying and (as a result of that) some freindships. I allow myself so much more time and energy with one simple decision... I have Sunday's back! On the flipside, I'm doubling down on exercising and sports (one of my main passions).
Thanks mate :) That's funny because I had the exact same experience - I fell in love with basketball again this year after cutting some other stuff out.
When I started to ask myself: "Is this what I want to do right now?", the answer was generally - no.
And in your example, you've replaced something your future self knew wasn't good for you, with something your future self wanted you to do more - something that's healthy and productive.
Thank you for the mention, Eren, and thanks for this story rich in lessons. Many, like the fox, will boast how they have many strategies. There's only one problem: life isn't about many strategies, and the only reason we ever have to learn many is to refine one, so that, just like the cat, we won't waste time deciding when the time for action comes.
Very good point Eren! The fox and the cat story is very telling. This made me rethink my priorities. I'm guilty of not prioritising stuff in my life and using my time and energy on trivial or frivolous matters. But, this will stay with me. You're absolutely right about the fact that given the limitedness of our time and energy, we'd be happier narrowing our focus on things that matter to us, than expanding our priorities to an extent that we're taking the toll of everything and anything.
Great share man, love the format of what you wrote about as well. I love the quote which is relevant to this which is that "a double minded man is unstable in all his ways". Be single-minded and focus on one thing. Multi-tasking is a myth.
I’ll admit that I’m one to add, add, add. And sometimes, it does make me happy because I’m adding things I truly enjoy. But I often have this idea of big and bold activities that will make me happy (a second income, volunteering, another degree, a new morning routine, a new evening routine), when I’m often happiest and most fulfilled just spending lots of time with the people I love.
I love the title of this piece — it’s so achingly true. Go back to the roots. Stop overcomplicating things. Thank you for a lovely reminder.
Lovely words - thank you!
You do make an interesting point. It’s actually good to dabble in things you find fun and interesting - that’s part of fulfilment too.
But as you say, the overarching happiness is already yours for the taking. Once you have food, shelter and community, you have all the tools for a good life.
Thanks for reading, comment and for your thought-provoking angle.
Great post Eren! This same idea dawned on me recently, resulting on me making some changes in my own life. Namley in the way of drastically reducing partying and (as a result of that) some freindships. I allow myself so much more time and energy with one simple decision... I have Sunday's back! On the flipside, I'm doubling down on exercising and sports (one of my main passions).
Thanks mate :) That's funny because I had the exact same experience - I fell in love with basketball again this year after cutting some other stuff out.
When I started to ask myself: "Is this what I want to do right now?", the answer was generally - no.
And in your example, you've replaced something your future self knew wasn't good for you, with something your future self wanted you to do more - something that's healthy and productive.
And that is self-improvement!
Thank you for the mention, Eren, and thanks for this story rich in lessons. Many, like the fox, will boast how they have many strategies. There's only one problem: life isn't about many strategies, and the only reason we ever have to learn many is to refine one, so that, just like the cat, we won't waste time deciding when the time for action comes.
Less is more! That quote has stood the time, and for good reason.
Thanks for the inspiration, for always engaging and for your thoughtful perspective!
You're welcome, Eren, and thank you too.
Very good point Eren! The fox and the cat story is very telling. This made me rethink my priorities. I'm guilty of not prioritising stuff in my life and using my time and energy on trivial or frivolous matters. But, this will stay with me. You're absolutely right about the fact that given the limitedness of our time and energy, we'd be happier narrowing our focus on things that matter to us, than expanding our priorities to an extent that we're taking the toll of everything and anything.
They say the greatest distraction from productive work is meaningless work!
Thanks for reading and engaging Yashraj. Always good to read your thoughts
Very true! Likewise Eren :)
Hi Eren! I loved reading this, straight to the point. What a smart cat. I'm gonna subscribe!!
Thanks Marie! I love that feedback - I try to be cutthroat with what stays, so great to hear you liked the conciseness!
Amazing! Glad to have you - I think this week’s upcoming post is one of my best ever. Hope you enjoy
Great share man, love the format of what you wrote about as well. I love the quote which is relevant to this which is that "a double minded man is unstable in all his ways". Be single-minded and focus on one thing. Multi-tasking is a myth.
Hey Rudy. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I love that quote dude - that’s amazing and perfectly fitting. I’ll definitely remember that.
Thank you for the good feedback brother.