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Paradoxes of Life
Episode 36
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Today at a Glance:
A paradox is defined as a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
Life is full of paradoxes. Once you become aware of them, you will find yourself empowered to use them to your advantage.
Paradoxes of Life
Paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
From a young age, we are pressured to view the world as linear and logical—when in reality it is anything but. Many of life’s most important truths appear contradictory or convoluted on the surface.
Look around long enough and you’ll realize the ultimate truth:
Life is full of paradoxes.
They are everywhere around you. They have the potential to confuse…or empower.
Once you become aware of these paradoxes—once you truly internalize them—you will find yourself empowered to use them to your advantage.
To get you started on this journey, here are 20+ powerful paradoxes of life…
The Persuasion Paradox
Have you noticed that the most argumentative people rarely persuade anyone of…well…anything?
The most persuasive people don’t argue—they observe, listen, and ask questions.
Argue less, persuade more.
Persuasion is an art that requires a paintbrush, not a sledgehammer.
The Effort Paradox
Sprezzatura is an Italian word meaning “studied carelessness”—it encapsulates the effortful art of appearing effortless.
You have to put in more effort to make something appear effortless.
Effortless, elegant performances are often the result of a large volume of effortful, gritty practice.
Watch videos of Roger Federer playing tennis in his prime. There is a certain nonchalance to his actions on the court, but this nonchalance was the earned result of endless hours of studied, careful, meticulous practice.
Small things become big things. Simple is not simple.
The Wisdom Paradox
“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.” — Albert Einstein
The more you learn, the more you are exposed to the immense unknown.
This should be empowering, not frightening. Embrace your own ignorance. Embrace lifelong learning.
The Productivity Paradox
Parkinson's Law says that work expands to fill the time available for its completion.
Work longer, get less done.
When you establish fixed hours to your work, you find unproductive ways to fill it.
Modern work culture is a remnant of the Industrial Age. It encourages long periods of steady, monotonous work unsuited for the Information Age.
To do truly great, creative work, you have to be a lion. Sprint when inspired. Rest. Repeat.
The Money Paradox
You have to lose money in order to make money.
Every successful investor & builder has stories of the i
Published on 4 years, 1 month ago