The Oxford Dictionary defines the word "paradox" as "a statement containing two opposite ideas that make it seem impossible or unlikely, although it is probably true."
Some of the most important truths in life may not make sense to us on the surface, but when we dig deeper we realise that there is more truth and meaning to them than we may think. These truths help us to understand life better. They help us to grasp the meaning behind certain events and situations that occur in our life. They help the trinity of the Monkey, Tesla and Passenger to keep going on this magnificent journey that we call life.
Here are some truths that have opened my eyes, maybe they can do the same for you?
The Mistakes You Point Out in Others, is What You Will Be Avoiding in Yourself
The flaws you see in others are actually a reflection of yourself. Eve Branson
We subconsciously project our insecurities onto others. We don't realise it, hell we probably won't even accept it, but we do! Carl Jung called this reflection, Freud called it project, but it's the same thing. What we want to avoid about ourselves (basically what we don't like about ourselves), we release that inner tension onto others.
Realising this helps us come to terms with what we need to do to conquer our ego and start to become humble. Because, when we do this, we can get to the root of our troubles and begin to work on ourselves.
The More You Attempt to Impress Others, the Less They Will Be
I don't even think this needs explaining. Nobody likes a try-hard. Nobody likes show-offs. The more people see you struggle, the less fascinated they will be. Those who make it look effortless are the ones who are impressionable. Welcome to the world of Human Nature.
You Don't Succeed by Tacking Failures, but Because of Failures
I am not going to give you a list of successful individuals or businesses that have become top dogs today even through failure. Half the companies on the Fortune 500 were started during recessions or economic crises. With our failure, success is impossible.
Michael Jordan was kicked out of his high school basketball team. Elon Musk got thrown out as CEO of his own company (similar to Steve Jobs but numerous times). Not to mention the fact that companies like LinkedIn were started during the post-dot-com bubble. Pramukh Swami Maharaj spent decades finding a suitable land for the Neasden Temple. None of these individuals ever gave up. They never complained. They never said, "Leave it. I can't be bothered anymore. Life isn't working out for me. I am not destined."
Successful people aren't successful because of a few failures, but because of numerous failures. They strived through their failures, adapted, and relentlessly improved. Failure became their best friend.
The more we fail, the more we learn, and the more likely we are to succeed.
The master fas failed more times than the beginner has even tried. Stephen McCranie
The More You Have It, the Less You Will Want It
You value things more when they're less available. Your brain tells you, "Hang on, this is something special. You better get it before it goes."
It's one of the reasons brands like Prada prefer to burn their handbags instead of selling them at a discounted price. If the supply is low, the perceived value is high.
The More You Have It, the Less Satisfied You Will Be
It's known as 'overchoice' or today commonly referred to as the 'paradox of choice'. The more options we have, the more we struggle to make a decision, and inevitably the less satisfied we become.
Keep it simple. Mark Zuckerberg does it, so does Obama. Be pragmatic and don't overthink. It's going to be hard. There's hundreds of series' on Netflix, there's thousands of people on Instagram. Be careful.
The fact that some choice is good doesn't necessarily mean that more choice is better. Barry Schwartz
Change is The Only Constant
The Ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, was way ahead of his when he echoed these famous words (even though it's slightly paraphrased from his original).
Nothing lasts forever. Not you, not the things you behold with great value, not even this planet. From the tiny cells that make our body, to the cosmic planets that make up the universes, everything is in a constant state of flux.
Savour the moment, for now is the only moment we have. Bad situations won't last forever. Remember this.
We're Done
That's all for today folks!
With prayers,
Vinay
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