4 lines to rule them all

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Heres a visual representation of what your life looks like if you live above the statistical benchmark to the age of 80. Each square here represents one week at an average of 53 weeks per year To some this might seem morbid, but I find it fascinating, humbling. You see a box I see milestones; birth of a child. The passing of a loved one. Graduation. The first paycheck. Marriage. Happiness and sadness and everything in between all rolled into 4 lines connected together. I like to fill in each week as it passes, it serves the following purpose - acts as a reminder on how far I have to go, so I contemplate and reflect on mistakes to learn from them - helps in keeping my self aligned to my values and stick to my smaller seemingly mundane habits that will only benefit me in the long run (like staying active/ keeping relationships) - keeps me grounded on how much I do not know - a constant reminder on not to take small things too seriously as it will all eventually come to an end - lastl...
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The Pursuit Of Excellence

 If one thing in life goes your way, how likely are you to relax and get into a mode of comfortability where you feel like you have done enough?

I have realized that small achievements - landing a decent job, finding the right spouse, hitting your target weight - for ordinary people, those things are enough for them to recline into complacency. 

It has been a realization that for those with higher ambitions, small victories are just that, small. They work as bridges to avoid obstacles and chasms of disappointment, but they aid in moving these overachievers forward instead of slowing them down. 

The desire and hunger for greater growth, more personal development, greater professional improvement, I didn't understand these things growing up. But now I realize that this is the only way to live, what other existence is justifiable? Mediocre existence is one that requires not much input from the 'liver' but it does not make sense to me. 

These realizations are made stronger by situations that tilt in our favor, and I realize that. I just hope it continues to be this way for myself and others who wish to live meaningfully and purposefully while we exist. 

Finally, I feel like I have come to understand what the pursuit of excellence is: Its a mindset, an insatiable hunger and a drive with purpose that cannot be contested by any external force. 

Godwilling, let us not burn ourselves as the flames get brighter, instead let us tame them and illuminate the path for those that follow in our stead. 

- M 


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