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

| Mental Model

The Happiness Paradox

The more you search for happiness, the more it eludes you.

If you want to be happy, stop thinking about trying to be happy so much.

Happiness is a natural state that it occurs when you accept ‘what is’ and don't desire for anything else.

| Insight

Challenge: Reflect on a recent challenge and rewrite the story you've been telling yourself about it in a more positive, empowering way.

Example: Instead of focusing on the difficulties, emphasize the growth and learning that resulted from the experience.

| Quote

Esther Perel, a psychotherapist and author, on maintaining desire in long-term relationships:

| Question

A Parable I Enjoyed

The Crow and the Pitcher by Aesop

“On a hot summer day, a thirsty crow flew around searching for water. It had been a long day, and the crow was growing increasingly desperate. Finally, it came across a pitcher with a small amount of water at the bottom. The crow tried to reach the water, but the pitcher was too deep and its neck too narrow for the crow to fit its beak inside. Feeling disheartened, the crow could have given up and continued searching for water elsewhere. However, instead of surrendering to despair, the crow decided to think creatively and find a solution to its predicament. The crow noticed a pile of small stones nearby and devised a plan. It began picking up the stones one by one and dropping them into the pitcher. Slowly but surely, the water level inside the pitcher began to rise as the stones displaced the water. Eventually, the water reached a level high enough for the crow to drink.” 

The Crow and the Pitcher serves as a timeless reminder that the power to overcome adversity lies within our own resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability. By embracing these qualities, we can tackle challenges head-on and continue to progress towards our goals, even when the odds seem stacked against us.

Source: https://lifehacker.com/the-best-lessons-from-childhood-fables-that-still-matt-1608240513

Have a wonderful Wednesday, all.

Until next time,

Alex

| P.S. — My Weekly Picks

• How to Make Wealth by Paul Graham. If the question of how to amass riches looms in your mind, then allow this to be your guide into the world of financial success.

• Great Articles and Essays by the World's Best Journalists and Writers by The Electric Typewriter. A curated collection of exceptional articles and essays, all penned by the best in the field.

• Inverted Passion by Paras Chopra. Paras Chopra takes complex topics and breaks them down into easy-to-understand ideas without losing their essential nuances.

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