The Happiness Paradox, Reality Shift & More

Author

Alex Brogan
October 05, 2023 • Read Time: 5 minutes

Good Morning. Welcome to all the new readers of Faster Than Normal who have joined us since last week!

Here’s what we’ll cover today:

Mental Model: The Happiness Paradox.

Insight: Reality Shift

Quote: Kindling Long-Term Desire.

Question: Positive Gratitude.

Parable: The Crow and the Pitcher by Aesop.

Cheers,
Alex

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| Mental Model

The Happiness Paradox

The more you search for happiness, the more it eludes you.

If you want to be happy, stop thinking about trying to be happy so much.

Happiness is a natural state that it occurs when you accept ‘what is’ and don't desire for anything else.

| Insight

The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality.

Challenge: Reflect on a recent challenge and rewrite the story you've been telling yourself about it in a more positive, empowering way.

Example: Instead of focusing on the difficulties, emphasize the growth and learning that resulted from the experience.

| Quote

Esther Perel, a psychotherapist and author, on maintaining desire in long-term relationships:

"Desire in long-term relationships requires cultivating a sense of mystery and curiosity about one's partner, and valuing the space between oneself and the other."

| Question

How can I practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of my life?

A Parable I Enjoyed

The Crow and the Pitcher by Aesop

“On a hot summer day, a thirsty crow flew around searching for water. It had been a long day, and the crow was growing increasingly desperate. Finally, it came across a pitcher with a small amount of water at the bottom. The crow tried to reach the water, but the pitcher was too deep and its neck too narrow for the crow to fit its beak inside. Feeling disheartened, the crow could have given up and continued searching for water elsewhere. However, instead of surrendering to despair, the crow decided to think creatively and find a solution to its predicament. The crow noticed a pile of small stones nearby and devised a plan. It began picking up the stones one by one and dropping them into the pitcher. Slowly but surely, the water level inside the pitcher began to rise as the stones displaced the water. Eventually, the water reached a level high enough for the crow to drink.” 

The Crow and the Pitcher serves as a timeless reminder that the power to overcome adversity lies within our own resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability. By embracing these qualities, we can tackle challenges head-on and continue to progress towards our goals, even when the odds seem stacked against us.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, all.

Until next time,

Alex

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