“Let it sink…”

What a nice and polished way of saying, “Always be the dumbest person in the room.” This quote is worth a tattoo.

Power moves

Looking back on 2024, a few ideas have transformed the way I see the world. Today, I’ll share three of them.

1. Competition Doesn’t Exist

Life isn’t a zero-sum game.

The famous law of conservation of energy might not apply as simply as we think.

Take population growth: Earth now has 8.2 billion people—just decades ago, it was 5 billion. It took millennia to reach 5 billion, but only a few decades to grow by another 3 billion.

Where does this energy come from? Somewhere in the universe, something else might diminish. This energy might come from areas that are no longer needed, enabling growth elsewhere. On Earth, though, it fuels expansion.

In business, population growth guarantees demand. Everyone needs the basics - food, shelter, safety - not to mention countless other products and services higher up Maslow’s pyramid.

If one market shrinks, another will grow.

If more players enter your market, you can always pivot and create or enter a new one.

The world is full of unexpected opportunities. Astrology, numerology, cryptocurrency trading, aura reading, intuition coaching - you name it.

Cringy, right? But this is not the point.

Change is constant. What was mainstream yesterday can become niche today. Intel’s story is a prime example of adapting to shifting trends.

Ultimately, only those who adapt will thrive.

Adapt quickly, supply efficiently, and competition becomes irrelevant.

The market is always expanding, regardless of the competition.

2. Burnout Isn’t Real

Burnout is lumped in with modern "diseases" like Social Media Anxiety or Post-Christmas Syndrome.

It’s a product of our expectations, not reality.

At work, we don’t just work.

We socialize and get entertained. When the fun decreases and the workload rises, we say we’re “burned out.”

But consider a coal miner with no alternative job, supporting aging parents.

Their choice is stark: mine coal or let the family starve.

Day after day, month after month, year after year.

They’re exhausted, mentally violated - but not “burned out.”

Burnout comes from misaligned expectations, not effort. You might hope for career growth, but it’s not happening. Or you expect work to be fun, but most of it turns out to be a boring routine.

In the mine, expectations and reality are perfectly aligned. The miners don’t experience the frustration of unmet hopes that often leads to burnout.

3. Positive Thinking is Overrated

Have you ever had one of those huge wins in your life?

Like an outstanding performance review or first place in a tough competition?

In those moments, we’re at the top of the emotional curve. We see the world through skewed lenses.

That success makes us feel invincible. Later, we refer back to that moment as our epiphany. At some point, it’s easy to convince ourselves that we “envisioned” that win.

And that belief can lead us to think that positive thinking is all it takes to succeed in life.

But here’s the problem:

Euphoria and blind optimism are a dangerous mix that hinders problem-solving and critical thinking.

For those who remember the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, you’ll recall how everyone’s optimism about the near future ended up costing many people dearly.

As a rule, I keep my expectations low. If the outcome exceeds my plans, I’m always pleasantly surprised.

But if you’re focused on a huge jackpot and miss the mark, chances are you’re going to get beaten by life.

If you want to make God laugh, tell Him (Her/Them) your plans.

We often think life is a competition where we have.

to beat others to succeed, but this view misses how many new opportunities come from change and adapting.

When we focus on being creative and staying strong instead of just competing, we can handle challenges better and find new chances to grow.

Burnout isn’t just about working too hard - it’s about expecting too much. By setting realistic goals, we can stay balanced and productive.

And while staying positive is great, keeping a clear and realistic outlook helps us make better choices and avoid problems caused by too much excitement.

But the journey doesn’t end here.

Looking forward to experiencing 2025.

Our favorite digital finds

Short & Sweet

Six Writers on Procrastination - 3 min read.

The sweet start of the year - plenty of time to catch up and achieve our goals. So, why not procrastinate a little longer? Here's a quick read on some writers' attitudes towards their procrastination.

5 Classic Stoic Principles to Live By for a Happier Life - 3 min read.

These principles are so simple yet so powerful, I can’t help but feel a little jealous, thinking, “I wish I wrote that.” Definitely worth 3 minutes of your time.

Ideas That Changed My Life - 5 min read.

Of course, I couldn't leave this article out of this edition. It offers another perspective to challenge your assumptions, recognize biases, and think more critically about information.

Press Play

Gorgeous cover of the famous "Tom's Diner." I keep replaying it over and over again.

Add this to your shelf

The Organized Mind helps to understand how to manage all the information coming at us every day. It shows simple ways to stay focused, organize our thoughts, and make better decisions. The book also explains how our brains work and gives tips to stay productive without feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfect for learning how to handle distractions.

Unpacking the routines of interesting people

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - is a charismatic wrestler turned Hollywood superstar, entrepreneur, and fitness icon known for his unmatched work ethic and inspiring presence.

Interesting facts about The Rock:

Minimal Sleep: Johnson typically sleeps only 3 to 5 hours a night, which allows him more time for work and personal projects. He claims he can function well on limited sleep, although this may not be advisable for everyone.

Cheat Day King: The Rock is famous for his massive cheat meals, often including stacks of pancakes, sushi, and cookies.

Portable Gym: He travels with a portable gym, called the "Iron Paradise," ensuring he can maintain his workout routine regardless of location.

Family Guy: Despite his busy schedule, The Rock prioritizes spending time with his wife, daughters, and extended family.

Watch-worthy clips

Apple Notes is more powerful than you think. Here's how to create a top-notch Personal Knowledge System using just this app.

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