My favorite pencil wore down. There’s no irritation, no bitterness. Just a feeling of gratitude and quiet sadness. This tool fulfilled the purpose for which someone created it.
Lines, sketches, notes—everything had meaning, nudging life forward.
Wine is meant to be enjoyed, not left to sit endlessly in a bottle. One day it will simply sour. Attempts to save the nectar too long will eventually turn it into poison.
Wasting a resource pointlessly corrodes the soul like acid.
The above applies to a person just as much as it does to a thing. The same feelings arise depending on whether a person used his gift or “saved” it in a chest underground.
Claiming a gift as your own is as unethical as a fund manager claiming clients' assets. He also betrays their trust if he doesn’t invest, leaving the funds idle in bank accounts.
Not losing funds—that’s basic hygiene. The main goal is to make them grow.
The skill lies in eliminating foolish risks and in choosing investment targets wisely. The investor and the gardener water what grows on its own and yields bountiful fruit.
Uncovering one’s potential is harder. There are no clear 'yield' and 'ROI' indicators, and other people's success patterns will hurt rather than save.
But when you find your way, each stroke on a cotton pad or napkin sharpens your pencil, but in return creates something that has personal meaning for you.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
About me:
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
How can I help you?
If you've long been trying to understand what is limiting you and/or your business and how to finally give important changes a push, then The Catalyst Session is designed specifically for you. Book it here.