Avery’s first day at her new school
Each morning, as Avery (my 8 year old girl) looks into the mirror, there's a comforting note right beside her reflection that says, "Grit - passion and perseverance for long-term goals," written in her own handwriting. It's become a silent pep talk, a familiar presence that whispers courage into her days filled with the uncertainty of a new school and the absence of old friends. The Paradox of Comfort and Character In a world where comfort is often mistaken for happiness, the role of adversity in shaping human character has become an increasingly provocative topic. It is a divisive idea in our current societal landscape—a landscape that has both a cushion and a cure for nearly every discomfort. However, digging deeper into this subject reveals the unconventional and even controversial thesis: To sustain and evolve our societal fabric, we must not only tolerate adversity but embrace it as a critical ingredient for growth, especially in the cultivation of grit. Adversity, when it strikes, is often seen as an unwelcome disruptor. Yet, when looking through the lens of history, one could argue it has been a silent partner in the dance of progress, a catalyst for both individual and collective achievement. In modern times, this partnership is at risk. Our technological advancements and socio-economic safety nets, while impressive and beneficial, could be inadvertently breeding a cultural aversion to risk and failure. The byproduct may be a society less equipped with the kind of grit that's been foundational to human triumph. The immigrant narrative provides a rich ground for exploration. Research by the Fiscal Policy Institute shows that in major American cities, more than half of the businesses are owned by immigrants. It is a pattern observed globally, indicating that those who have weathered the storm of resettling in a foreign land are often the ones most primed to engage in risky entrepreneurial ventures. Is it possible that the pressures of immigration—the necessity to adapt, overcome, and innovate—are the same pressures that forge entrepreneurial grit and ultimately success? Adversity and Antifragility Diving into the territory of childhood development can be even more contentious. The concept of 'antifragile' coined by Nassim Taleb suggests that certain systems benefit from shocks; they thrive and grow when exposed to volatility, randomness, and stressors. Applying this framework to childhood means allowing children to experience manageable levels of stress and failure, under the hypothesis that this will bolster their resilience. This is at odds with a protective instinct that can, if overdone, lead to fragility rather than fortitude. As for the manufacturing of grit in adults, it is a challenging proposition, but not an impossible one. The pursuit of deliberate hardship—such as intense physical training, undertaking entrepreneurial risks, or learning difficult new skills—can serve as the modern-day equivalent of the evolutionary pressures that once sculpted human determination. However, these self-imposed challenges often lack the sharp edge of true necessity. As a result, they might not fully replicate the conditions under which the purest form of grit is formed. The notion that society may have become 'too soft' for its own good is controversial, yet not without some merit. It begs the consideration that perhaps some modern woes—the rise in anxiety and depression, the often-noted lack of fulfillment in the midst of plenty—are symptoms of an environment that no longer requires the exertion once necessary for survival and success. Could it be that, in making our external world less harsh, we've allowed our internal landscapes to grow over with the weeds of discontent? I suggest that we should engage in conversation on how the intentional incorporation of adversity can be a force for good. While comfort and security are achievements to be lauded, they must be balanced by recognition of the value that challenge and even discomfort play in fostering grit. This does not mean seeking out suffering for suffering's sake, but rather recognizing that in the right doses, struggle is not an impediment to success but a foundational component of it. In embracing these ideas, I recognize that I am advocating for a perspective that may fly in the face of much modern parenting and self-help rhetoric. We must acknowledge the subtle, yet critical distinction between destructive adversity and constructive adversity. My words aim to gently remind us that adversity isn't something to sidestep, but a formative force, capable of molding our collective grit. It frames each setback as a moment ripe for growth, not just an obstacle to endure. Could embracing this mindset foster a more resilient spirit within us all? And isn't that a conversation worth having?
Artificial Imagination This week, I used OpenAi’s DALL-E3 to create a silly Thanksgiving scene. In this playful role reversal, the turkey's gobble becomes a playful roar as it gears up for a Thanksgiving 'manhunt', while the pint-sized pilgrims appear to have bitten off more than they can chew.
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created with DALL-E3
Vibe Challenge Get Gritty: Pick a habit you’ve been avoiding because it’s tough, and tackle it every day this week. Whether it’s a cold shower, a tough conversation, or skipping sugar, face it head-on. Track your mood and energy levels. Power through the discomfort and watch your grit grow.
My Weekly Vibe
Design: Canva recently launched Magic Studio, packed with AI features for both professional and personal use. With tools like Magic Design and Magic Switch, anyone can now create engaging content and adapt it for different formats in just seconds. The new AI-powered image and video editing features help produce polished visuals fast. Our marketing team uses Canva's Magic Studio daily and loves the time-saving AI features that elevate our content.
Book: Speaking of grit, the book by the same title written by Angela Duckworth is like a training manual for perseverance. Each chapter breaks down the psychology behind passion and persistence. Her insights on deliberate practice and growth mindset provide useful frameworks for staying focused amid waning motivation. It equips readers with tools for tackling long-term goals without quitting. Reading each chapter is like receiving expert coaching in mental toughness. For motivation to persist on any long endeavor, give this book a try. Grit will keep you grinding away at dreams that can take years to achieve
Remote: Amazon recently released an upgraded Fire TV Stick called the Fire TV Stick 4K Max which I recently purchased because our kids lost the remote . The Max stick simply plugs into your TV's HDMI port and gives you access to all the major streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu. It comes with an Alexa voice remote so you can easily search for content, control playback, and manage smart home devices hands-free. Even with a smart tv, I'm loving how the Fire TV Stick 4K Max upgrades it with more features and a smoother user interface to quickly find shows across different apps.
Music: I recently came across Spotify's Jazz for Autumn playlist, featuring dozens of mellow jazz tunes perfect for the fall season. It sets a laid back mood with soothing instrumentals. This playlist is ideal background music for focusing during the workday or relaxing in the evening with a good book. I've had the playlist on repeat during my daily routines. The chill jazz enhances my productivity and keeps me calm during the chaos of the day.
Weekly Muse "N-now th-that that don't kill me, can only make me stronger.” -Kanye West
Real Estate Ah, title insurance! That unsung hero protecting buyers, lenders, and properties from the hidden dangers lurking in the shadows of the real estate world. But what exactly is it, and why should you care? I’ll make an attempt to explain.
Protection against nasty surprises: Title insurance, like a caped crusader, saves the day against undisclosed liens and mysterious ownership oddities in your property's past. Without it, you could find yourself facing legal battles or losing your rights to the property you thought was yours. Yikes!
The champion of your wallet: Title insurance doesn't just fight off legal troubles, it also springs into action to cover legal expenses for covered claims. Say goodbye to night sweats over legal defense costs.
Lenders' BFF: Banks and financial institutions love title insurance, too. It reassures lenders that the property can be used as collateral for loans, and keeps them invested in your success.
One premium to rule them all: A single, one-time premium covers your title insurance for as long as you or your heirs own the property. No annoying monthly payments, just a one-time fee to cover you for the duration of your ownership.
The smoother of transactions: Title insurance ensures that the property's title is clean before closing, facilitating a hiccup-free (and awkward silence-free) purchase process. So go ahead, shake hands confidently and pass those keys!
In a nutshell, title insurance is like an essential sidekick in your property-purchasing adventure. It keeps the journey smooth, predictable, and—most importantly—safe from unexpected disasters.
Forget the White House, this contemporary stunner overlooking Rock Creek Park is the true architectural gem of DC. With sweeping views, a temp-controlled wine room, and more bathrooms than occupants, this indulgent modern home is party-ready for even the most discerning politician. I’m loving the slick modern design of this audacious, yet somehow still inviting, DC pad—though I might need a map to find my way around all 10,900 square feet! Can you guess the price? (courtesy of Compass)
Interesting Find The International Fixed Calendar was the brainchild of an accountant who was really excited about standardizing months. This rigid calendar split the year into 13 months, each with 28 days, to make financial reporting easier for bean counters. Despite support from many prominent leaders, the world ultimately rejected it - businesses realized updating contracts would be a nightmare, and religious leaders couldn't pick new holy days from a hat. But I'm still all for it—I'd love the predictability of everything happening on the same day each month. This auditor-approved calendar would bring some order to my chaotic schedule!
credit: equanimity.blog
Comments