They all love me but ...

"They all love me but you're the only one who does anything. Goodbye."

Again encountering the fact that words and actions are not the same thing.

And in some cases the words without the accompanying actions are deceptive.

Stoicism revisited

Having a philosophy of living is better than not having one goes the argument. And it doesn't really matter which one you pick. 

It does a few things:

i - Gives you orientation and easier decision making.

ii - Less fear of the end. As much of the fear comes not from simply dying, but realizing at the end that you have not lived well. 

iii - Minimizes the feeling of backtracking. Making progress today only to wander backwards tomorrow. 

Flow vs Mindfulness

Both desirable states. And both have in common that the self is dissolved.

But also different. Flow you are totally lost on the moment. Mindfulness you are totally aware of the moment.

Not what you see

Most of the success stories we see are by people on tv, youtube, tedtalks, podcasts, or books. 

So our impressions of them are biased. We see them doing the easy work and receiving the glory. 

We don't see how they did the work, in a office, gym, or library without distractions, focusing. 

...

The holidays are over. So to should the distractions, dreaming, and planning. 

Movies again

GF: "I didn't really like the movie. It was not believable or realistic..."
Me: "I don't think about movies that way. It entertained me (I was lost in the movie) and I was inspired."

Best deal going for $30 if you ask me.

Extreme

I like the idea that "you learn nothing from that which you don't give your all".

Meshes well with 'intentionality'...
...need to edit this tomorrow.

Another Lesson from Programming

"There are always trade-offs" and "There are no free lunches"

Every optimization comes with its associated costs.

It is easy and exciting to optimize when you only see the dimension that you are optimizing. But you shouldn't forget that that optimization always comes with cost(s) - seen or unseen.