3 quotes for Jan 15, 2021

How do you grade yourself?
It's important to know in advance, to make sure you're staying focused on what's honestly important to you, instead of doing what others think you should.

– Derek Sivers

Knowing what to measure is the core of strength and conditioning. While there are quantitative aspects, like how many reps you did or how much weight you lifted, the harder part is the qualitative stuff. If those can be made clear, most of us would be able to focus on the effort.

In life and in the work we do, similarly, how do we grade ourselves? With likes and that stuff?! I don't think so. Then, how?

The cave you most fear to enter contains the greatest treasure.

-- Joseph Campbell

Simple and powerful. This comes from a friend and a reader who found it in the most arbitrary of places.

Steven Pressfield talks about this as well - if you are really scared about doing something, it is a great signal because that is absolutely what you should be doing. Your inner Resistance is clearly indicating that to you by producing this fear.

We can all produce magic if we can only step out of our comfort zones.

I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o'clock sharp.

– Somerset Maugham

Habits rule. Effort matters. Consistency above all else. In my own small way, I used to think I would be able to write only when I had a profound idea. Unfortunately, it looked like all ideas are already taken. So, I ended up writing zilch. Until I just started writing every evening, once I was done with my work day. Soon, it grew into a habit that has been going reasonably well for the past 6 or so months.

Hope you find them interesting. As always, if you come across something, do share!