2319: The Solution

As the clock strikes 8 PM, I finally settle down to reflect on this week. It's been a refreshingly calm period for me, devoid of exams, filled instead with studying and honing my knowledge through practice questions. This is my ideal week; it offers a balance between productivity and relaxation, allowing me to make the most of my time while also savoring it. This is crucial because I'm well aware that the courses I'm focusing on will eventually lead to exams, each bringing its unique set of challenges.

Reflecting on the recent past, I can confidently say I've bounced back from the rigorous exam week that tested my limits. The lingering doubts and fears have dissipated, and I'm ready to tackle what lies ahead, one step at a time. And, as you might expect, no week would be complete without diving into an Ali Abdaal YouTube video, which, as always, was brimming with insights that prompted me to reevaluate certain life choices. I'll share the link to the video here, but first, let's talk about two concepts that particularly resonated with me.

1. Don't Optimize Away the Fun.

• This concept struck a chord with me. When we play video games, our primary goal is often to level up as quickly as possible. But when we pause to reflect on the joy of the journey, how much fun did we truly have? For some, the pursuit of achievement might overshadow the pleasure of the experience. This realization hit close to home for me, as I could only recall a handful of gaming experiences that were genuinely carefree. Looking ahead to the release of the new college football video game in June, I find myself excited by the prospect of immersing in the game's journey — enjoying the development of my player and team through both victories and defeats, without the pressure of constantly striving for the top.

1. Defining Your Constraints.

• The second concept that made an impact was the importance of setting clear boundaries to better manage priorities and time. Ali discussed the significance of being intentional with our commitments, whether we aim for a relentless work ethic or seek a balanced lifestyle. He highlighted Parkinson's Law — the principle that work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion. This principle encourages efficiency; by setting tight deadlines, we force ourselves to focus and be more creative within those constraints.

Reflecting on my own experiences, especially with writing this newsletter, I've observed a significant shift. What used to take me 2-3 hours spread across several sessions now only takes an hour, thanks to the deliberate time constraints I've imposed on myself. This approach has not only streamlined my process but has also unlocked new levels of creativity.

This week's reflections have been a blend of personal growth and practical insights. The journey of self-improvement and learning is never linear, filled with highs and lows, successes and setbacks. Yet, it's these very fluctuations that make the journey worthwhile. As I look forward to the weeks ahead, I'm reminded of the importance of pacing oneself, enjoying the moment, and setting clear boundaries to not only achieve our goals but to enjoy the path we take to reach them. Let's carry these lessons forward, embracing both the challenges and the joys that lie ahead.

Peace,

Zechariah Davis

Song of the week:

• You - Don Toliver feat. Travis Scott

Poem of the week:

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to weep but you have to sigh

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don’t give up, though the pace seems slow

You might succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor’s cup.

And he learned too late, as the night slipped down,

How close he’d been to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;

And you can never tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit

It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Author Unknown

Scripture of the Week:

Dopamine 🧠:

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