Most people have heard the story of "The Rabbit and The Tortoise Race". But very few understand its significance.
If you are the rare ones who haven't heard the story, here it goes:
One day, a rabbit made fun of the tortoise for being slow.
"Will you ever get anywhere?" the rabbit asked.
The tortoise replied that he could get anywhere faster than the rabbit and challenged him to a race.
They agreed to a race, marked the distance, and started the race.
The rabbit was initially fast, covered some distance, and then slept under a tree so the tortoise could catch up.
The tortoise was slow but consistent. After a while, the tortoise passed the rabbit. When the rabbit woke up, the tortoise was near the endpoint. The rabbit tried to run as fast as it could but could not overtake the tortoise in time.
The tortoise won.
Most people understand the wisdom from the story-> consistent efforts win the race. However, they fail to apply this wisdom in their life.
Usually, people think that they are the tortoise. They are working continuously towards their goals. But the truth is, most people behave like a rabbit.
- People want everything quickly and easily.
- They are overconfident about their skills and abilities.
- They think that anyone walking slower than them isn't going to reach anywhere.
Only a few people play the game of life like a tortoise.
- These people are consistent and focused.
- They avoid shortcuts.
- They aren't scared of a tough challenge.
Usually, they win in the end.
Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years. —Bill Gates.
A decade ago, I wasn't even 18. I was trying to be a rabbit, so I changed my career many times, trying to finish the race as quickly as possible.
I wanted everything quickly and easily-> money, success and comfortable life.
However, the last decade's experience has turned me into a tortoise. I am strengthening my core to take any life challenge without fear. I am building a solid internal foundation before achieving any outward success.
Build Your Life With One Small Step At A Time
If you have ever witnessed a bird building its nest, it's inspirational.
For most people, it will be an ordinary thing. However, it's a colossal experience for me.
A small bird collects tiny twigs in its beak and places them one by one to build its nest. It might take weeks or more to complete the process. But the little bird doesn't think about the massive task ahead. The bird concentrates on how to find the next stick to complete its nest.
On the other hand, when humans face a complex problem, they are lost in analysis paralysis. They want everything to be pre-planned, every move to be perfect.
We want our plans to be perfect. We want to be sure about the results. We want to win before we start.
In simple words, we overthink and act too little.
If the little bird starts thinking like us, the thoughts would be:
- Is it the best use of a bird's time to build a nest?
- Is it worth doing so much hard work?
- What will happen to the nest in the next five years?
Maybe the bird's mind is too small to think all these complex thoughts.
So, they find the best location to build their nests and start building them.
Humans are capable of solving complex problems. So, they keep analyzing issues that don't exist yet. And sometimes end up creating troubles themselves.
Analyzing situations can help you. But when you overthink, it stops you from taking the first small step and building momentum.
The more you keep analyzing, the less you will do.
Everyone knows how to improve. Everyone knows how to overcome their shortcomings.
It's just that most people doubt their abilities.
I have been reading self-development books for the past four years. I must have read 100's of books.
Sometimes, it feels like my life has changed after reading a good book. But the truth is, the book's effect will remain on me for a few days or a week.
Progress doesn't come from one success, one book, or changing one habit.
It comes from repeating small actions hundreds of times, like a bird building its nest.
You keep adding small twigs and sticks, and one day, you are a completely changed person.
You have built your nest.
You have forged your character.
However, most people don't have the patience to do this. They want shortcuts and easy results. Maybe they had a headstart initially, but they will get cosy in their life. Sleep under a tree like a rabbit. And that's when the tortoise will pass them.
No zero days
Recently, I picked a new concept called no zero days. It got viral from a Reddit post.
A zero-day is when you don't do anything to reach your goal. So, a non-zero-day is when you do something every day, maybe 1%, to reach your goal.
The mindset is that you do something every day, even if it is a small and insignificant action. It builds up the momentum to achieve your goal.
For example, if you want to write articles on hive, the tiniest thing could be anything like reading an article, writing ten ideas you wish to write about, or even writing one sentence.
As long as there is momentum, the pace doesn't matter.