Good Morning. Welcome to all the new readers of Faster Than Normal who have joined us since last week!

Here’s what we’ll cover today:

Cheers,
Alex

| Sleep better, anywhere, anytime.

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by Manta Sleep, creator of the world’s best sleep masks and functional sleep accessories.

As a frequent traveler, finding the right sleep mask was a challenge until I stumbled upon Manta Sleep. It's comfortable, blocks out 100% of light, and puts zero pressure on my eyes. Sleep has never been better!

Manta Sleep is on a mission to empower folks to experience better sleep, providing all the energy needed to live your best life.

Check out Manta Sleep here and make sure to use “FTN10” for 10% off your order!

| Mental Model

Convexity

Convex payoffs have larger gains than pains—the potential upside is greater than the downside.

The majority seek to cap downside by entering conformist professions but in doing so, cap their upside too.

Lesson: Incorporate some calculated risks in your plan.

| Insight

Challenge: Write about a recent emotional experience and the message it was trying to convey. Consider how you can use that message to inform your actions.

Example: Feeling frustrated in a relationship and realizing the need for better communication.

| Quote

Nelson Mandela, a leader who endured great challenges, offers a valuable perspective:

Interpretation: The true measure of a person's character is not found in their victories, but in their resilience and determination to rise again after they have fallen.

| Question

A Parable I Enjoyed

The Empty Pot (Source: Chinese Folklore)

An emperor distributes seeds to children, promising to make the child who grows the most beautiful plant his successor. One boy's seed doesn't grow, but he presents his empty pot to the emperor honestly. The emperor reveals he boiled the seeds, making them infertile, and chooses the boy as his successor because of his honesty. The parable emphasizes the value of integrity and truthfulness.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, all.

Until next time,

Alex

| P.S. — My Weekly Picks

•  The Marginalian by Maria Popova. In her one-woman labor of love, Maria guides us through science, philosophy, poetry, and the magic of children's literature, offering a unique lens of wonder on the eternal question: What is all this?

• Earning as a Writer by Nicolas Cole. A strategic roadmap for writers aiming to turn their passion into a lucrative profession.

• How To Choose What To Spend Your Time On by Julian Shapiro. A quick test to identify your life's direction and a framework for self-reflection, enabling you to break free from life's inertia and consciously decide what truly deserves your time and energy.