Maybe it's just because I'm an ancient Millennial (31), but "Career Crisis Pizza Party in our dorm at Harvard" sounds like an amazing college experience.
"I’m not sure what I’m doing, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise."
In a world that is constantly pulling you in one direction or another, this is a powerful statement. Knowing that you don't know yourself (yet) is a step towards self-awareness.
"There’s immense serendipity in putting your true self out there — maybe you’ll learn people’s stories, maybe you’ll make new friends, maybe a reporter will find what you do genuinely interesting. You can’t expect serendipity to come your way, but it’s always a gift when it does."
Amen to this. "Be yourself" is only a cliche because it's so difficult, and therefore people think that it is a trite aphorism because they can't do it. As Charlie Munger said, "Take a simple idea and take it seriously."
I'm also reminded of what my software bootcamp instructor told us: "Some of you might have made friends and want to start companies together. But consider this: Go work somewhere, make business connections, build up some savings, gain experience, and THEN start a startup with your friends."
The key being, keep nurturing your creative side while still putting in the time at a "normal job".
I suppose the short version is the second draft of a novel that I've been working on here and there for years, and the weekly newsletter I started earlier this year: https://matterdays.net/
The most effective way I've found to balance anything is to do things for myself in the morning––exercise, writing, reading (nonfiction), etc.––instead of trying to squeeze it in at night when my focus/willpower has been diminished by the workday (the exception being reading fiction before bed, which is perfectly fine). Pay yourself first!
Really great article! I also find myself "between two paths" at times. A choice part of me gets a sense is the more "ultimately wise" option and the one that's more "buuuuut I think this might be better", even if there are clear warning signs
I feel it's ok to still take the latter! Many practical reasons, and I've settled with the fact that I can't also always just "spiritually let go". Sometimes I just need to experience and learn from that
Maybe it's just because I'm an ancient Millennial (31), but "Career Crisis Pizza Party in our dorm at Harvard" sounds like an amazing college experience.
"I’m not sure what I’m doing, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise."
In a world that is constantly pulling you in one direction or another, this is a powerful statement. Knowing that you don't know yourself (yet) is a step towards self-awareness.
"There’s immense serendipity in putting your true self out there — maybe you’ll learn people’s stories, maybe you’ll make new friends, maybe a reporter will find what you do genuinely interesting. You can’t expect serendipity to come your way, but it’s always a gift when it does."
Amen to this. "Be yourself" is only a cliche because it's so difficult, and therefore people think that it is a trite aphorism because they can't do it. As Charlie Munger said, "Take a simple idea and take it seriously."
I'm also reminded of what my software bootcamp instructor told us: "Some of you might have made friends and want to start companies together. But consider this: Go work somewhere, make business connections, build up some savings, gain experience, and THEN start a startup with your friends."
The key being, keep nurturing your creative side while still putting in the time at a "normal job".
Best of luck as you travel your path!
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindness Matthew! Curious what your creative side is, and how you’ve balanced that with your normal job.
I suppose the short version is the second draft of a novel that I've been working on here and there for years, and the weekly newsletter I started earlier this year: https://matterdays.net/
The most effective way I've found to balance anything is to do things for myself in the morning––exercise, writing, reading (nonfiction), etc.––instead of trying to squeeze it in at night when my focus/willpower has been diminished by the workday (the exception being reading fiction before bed, which is perfectly fine). Pay yourself first!
Really great article! I also find myself "between two paths" at times. A choice part of me gets a sense is the more "ultimately wise" option and the one that's more "buuuuut I think this might be better", even if there are clear warning signs
I feel it's ok to still take the latter! Many practical reasons, and I've settled with the fact that I can't also always just "spiritually let go". Sometimes I just need to experience and learn from that
Thank you for writing, I greatly enjoyed reading this.