6.5 – For Last Week’s MM:

The best investments are the things no one can take away from you: knowledge, experience, mindset, attitude.

The weakest investments are the things that you can lose at any time: status, emotions, material things.

Have you been investing in the right things? Why or why not?

Reflecting on this… I truly believe that the makings of a good person begin with investing in the right things, the ones that can’t be taken away. The things Mark listed are wonderful. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Experience shapes who we are and gives us further knowledge. And having a good quality mindset and balanced attitude are tantamount.

As for the weak investments? I don’t put any sort of stock into someone’s perceived status or how much shit they have. These things can be taken away in the blink of an eye and then what? Who you are deep down is vastly more important. I will, however, argue that “emotions” – or rather, emotional intelligence/maturity – are very much good things to invest in.

I also know that emotions can be taken away (yay, Anhedonia… and other crap-ass brain disorders) and how shitty it is to exist in a world where I remember in my head what positive emotions feel like, but can’t actually feel them… 0/5 Stars, Do Not Recommend.

I believe that I have been investing in the right things, even if it’s been slow going (more so in the last few years). I’ve done so because I want to BE a good egg. I know what it’s like to suffer trauma at the hands/mouth of toxic shitheads and I vehemently refuse to do the same to those around me. I’m not perfect, by any means, but I learn from my experiences and do my utmost to improve. However, I could definitely invest more in treating myself as well as I treat others. We are the most harsh on ourselves, they say.

Invest in one thing this week that no one can take away from you. Let me know how it goes.

Even though I came across the investment of “knowledge” on a whim (i.e. ADHD Research Mode: ACTIVATED), I consider it a pretty solid investment. I learned a bit more about how things work in the body, specifically surrounding myself and what I’m dealing with. Armed with that knowledge, I will present my findings (theories, really) to my doctor and ask her for some investigative referrals. I’ll admit that I am afraid of being dismissed (it’s happened SO much in my life) or encountering a defensive attitude (ugh), but… I’ve also been pondering how to approach it, what to say, questions to ask, and a plea for the help I can’t give myself because I’m not a doctor. I honestly just want to know what the actual fuck is happening to me… I hate NOT knowing. Finding out would – at the very least – ease my mind that I’m not crazy (well… lol) or imagining all this chronic pain. So… there ya go.

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7.0 – It’s Not Failing You Fear

Two things for you to think about

You’re not afraid of failing. You’re afraid of being seen failing.

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Most people aren’t paying attention to what you’re doing, and your loudest critics are probably too scared to try.

What are you so worried about?

Reflect: Then consider sharing this thought with others.

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Two things for you to ask yourself

What are you putting off because you don’t want to be seen failing? What is it, really, that you fear?

Recommended: Use these as journaling prompts for the week.

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One thing for you to try this week

Do one thing you’re afraid to fail at. Let me know how it goes.

Remember: Small changes lead to lasting breakthroughs.

https://markmanson.net/