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- Embracing the Plateau: Why Growth Often Looks Like Standing Still
Embracing the Plateau: Why Growth Often Looks Like Standing Still
When Comfort No Longer Feels Safe and the Unknown Beckons
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to live beyond the ordinary. It’s one of those concepts that sounds inspiring when you read about it, but when it’s your own life hanging in the balance, the weight of it feels different. Recently, I stumbled upon an idea that got me thinking—how sometimes, to reach real success, you need to set standards so high that the average person might see them as extreme or even unreasonable. It’s about rejecting the safe, familiar path in favor of something more uncertain and unpredictable. And I find myself caught right in the middle of this decision.
The Weight of Uncertainty: A Necessary Trade-Off
The thought that success depends on how much uncertainty one is willing to accept has been circling in my mind. On paper, it makes sense. But in reality? It’s hard. When I think about taking the leap—whether it’s diving deeper into my interests in tech, crypto, or leaving behind the security of a job that doesn’t fulfill me—I feel a mix of excitement and fear. The excitement of potential, of finally living a life that aligns with my values. But the fear is just as strong, reminding me of everything that could go wrong.
I keep asking myself: How much am I really willing to risk? It’s easy to say I want something more, but what if that “more” doesn’t work out? What if I end up worse off than before? It’s a constant tug-of-war in my head, and some days, it feels like I’m losing the battle.
Obsession or Madness?
Another idea I came across suggested that to achieve anything truly exceptional, you need to become almost obsessively focused on it—to the point where it consumes your thoughts, like a kind of personal religion. That idea struck a chord, but it also made me pause. What if I throw myself into something completely, and it still doesn’t pay off? What if I lose myself in the process?
I’ve had glimpses of what that obsessive drive feels like—those nights spent coding, reading until my eyes blur, immersing myself in projects that make the hours disappear. But then, there are the moments when I pull back, when doubt creeps in, and I wonder if it’s all for nothing. It’s like being caught between two versions of myself—the one who is ready to risk everything and the one who still wants the safety net, even if that net feels like a cage.
The Loneliness of Choosing an Uncommon Path
And then there’s the loneliness. There’s a part of me that craves solitude, that thrives in those moments of quiet focus. But there’s also a part that’s afraid of what happens when that solitude becomes isolation. Going against the grain, choosing a path that others don’t understand—these things can be incredibly isolating. And I wonder if I’m ready for that. If I’m ready to be the one who walks away from the norm, even if it means standing alone.
I see it in my daily life—the people around me, comfortable in their routines, satisfied with their choices. They don’t understand why I’m restless, why I can’t just settle and accept things as they are. It’s not that I think I’m better than them; it’s that I feel different. But being different often means being alone, and that’s a reality I have to face if I want to take this risk.
Letting Go of What I Know
One of the hardest parts of contemplating this change is the idea of letting go—letting go of habits, routines, and even people who have been part of my life for so long. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing I have to jump but terrified of what happens once I’m in freefall. What if the old habits, the comfortable faces, are all I have? What if letting go leaves me with nothing but uncertainty?
But maybe that’s the point. Maybe that’s the test. To see if I’m willing to let go of everything that feels safe to find out what’s on the other side. It’s easy to say I want more, that I want to break free from the average, but the reality of letting go is a lot harder than I imagined.
The Question I Can’t Avoid
Every time I think I’ve found my answer, doubt creeps back in. Am I ready to take this leap? Am I ready to face the uncertainty and let go of everything that feels familiar? I don’t know. But the truth is, the life I’m living right now doesn’t feel right either. It’s like a slow, creeping dissatisfaction that’s becoming impossible to ignore. And maybe that’s the real fear—that staying where I am feels as risky as leaving.
An average life leads to average choices and average results. I know that deep down. But knowing and acting are two very different things. I’m at a crossroads, and every day, the choice feels heavier. I want to believe that taking the risk, embracing the uncertainty, will lead to something better. But right now, I’m just standing on the edge, trying to decide if I have the courage to jump.
What I saw today:
This video explores 12 innovative ways to use ChatGPT Canvas, an AI-powered tool that makes writing, brainstorming, and editing faster and easier. From optimizing social media posts to simplifying complex texts, Canvas can improve productivity by letting you collaborate with AI in unique ways. Ideal for bloggers, content creators, and anyone looking to save time, this video showcases how Canvas can streamline your workflow, enhance creative projects, and even automate tasks.
What I listened to today:
What I liked today:
The most important right is the right to be left alone.
— Naval (@naval)
8:38 AM • Oct 21, 2024
Here’s how to easily set up a working playground for Anthropic’s new computer use API.
Takes <10min.
It gives Claude 3.5 Sonnet a tool that can use a computer just like a human which opens up endless possibilities - it’s wild.
Absolute gamechanger for AI.
— Mckay Wrigley (@mckaywrigley)
8:49 PM • Oct 22, 2024
What I learned today:
Economic Empowerment Through AI and the Challenge of Email Fatigue in a Saturated Market:
AI is advancing rapidly, offering objective assessments in economic decision-making. Through an experimental “Post Fiat” token on the XRP network, AI can evaluate performance based on focus, motivation, efficiency, and honesty, providing a trustless foundation for rewards. However, as AI-based businesses grow, many face a saturated market where companies compete for the same customers. This has led to "email fatigue," where potential clients become immune to repetitive marketing emails and requests. Overcoming this fatigue requires innovative engagement strategies to stand out and foster genuine interest.
Random Thoughts:
I've noticed that nearly every tweet from the news accounts I follow is labeled as "breaking news"—is it just clickbait? It’s a constant flood of alerts that feels overwhelming rather than informative. This reminded me of the importance of periodically cleaning up my feed, unfollowing accounts that add noise rather than value. A curated feed with fewer, more meaningful updates might be the best way to stay informed without the overload.
That’s it for today! ☺️