The Elephant's Artist

As I begin to write this piece, I can't help but think about the reasons that push me to delve into it. In our fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with things beyond our control, we often find ourselves seeking approval from others to measure our achievements and success. The influence of famous people connected to prestigious institutions and projects has unintentionally shaped our idea of what true accomplishment means. However, we need to realize that these labels, though they may seem impressive on the surface, only capture a moment in a long journey filled with years of struggle, reinvention, and overcoming countless obstacles. They fail to show the immense commitment and tireless effort individuals put in to reach the top of their fields. In our never-ending pursuit of external validation, we often overlook the personal growth and self-improvement that hold intrinsic value. It's important to acknowledge that our motivation is often driven by external rewar...

  The influence of our beliefs and expectations on the outcomes we experience is a fascinating phenomenon backed by scientific studies. Even when we are unaware of certain expectations, they can profoundly shape our reality. During the relentless days of the pandemic, I found solace in seeking ways to optimize my productivity and maximize the value I extracted from each day. I became consumed by productivity-related information, diving into the realms of time management, daily planning, and various how-to guides. The satisfaction of feeling productive became my sole measure of a day well-lived. I immersed myself in the teachings of inspirational figures such as Ali Abdaal, Matt D'avella, and Robin Sharma, who epitomized the ideal of a fulfilling life achieved through meticulous planning and execution. Their guidance provided me with a structured framework to follow. Yet, I couldn't help but feel inadequate on the days when I fell short of my planned accomplishments. I had unkno...