#6 - And, we're back!

On why I stopped writing and how to become the type of person you wish to be

Hello People!

Welcome to my newsletter, where I share my musings about life and interesting concepts and ideas.

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It feels great to get back to writing after what feels like an eternity!

Before I dive into this volume, I’d like to address the elephant in the room: Why did I not write this newsletter for so long? Especially given that I enjoy writing so much!

To tell you the truth, I’m not entirely sure.

I think it’s because of myriad reasons including laziness, procrastination, lack of prioritisation—you know, the usual culprits—to name a few.

But if I had to try to narrow it down to one thing, I’d probably say it’s because of my compulsive urge to write the perfect newsletter.

What does that mean? Allow me to explain.

In my quest to write the best possible newsletter (in terms of content, grammar, vocab, etc.), I’d put so much effort into writing each volume that I started feeling daunted by the mere prospect of writing.

Put simply, the standards I’d set for myself were so high that having to put in the effort required to meet them started to feel like a herculean effort.

And, as a result, I abandoned the newsletter altogether.

So, what brings me back?

Well, I didn’t want to give up on something I’ve come to find so engaging, enjoyable and meditative. Plus, I discovered that I really enjoy sharing my work with the world—something I didn’t know about myself before.

However, this time around, I’ve decided to cap the amount of effort I’ll put into writing each volume to keep it from becoming too daunting a task.

Just as we are more likely to become fit if we exercise 15 min every day as opposed to for 90 min once in a while; I am more likely to become a better writer if I go for consistency (writing weekly) over intensity (writing the perfect newsletter for a few weeks).

The following tweet by one of my favourite authors, James Clear, really drives the point home.

Now, with that out of the way, let’s dive into today’s volume!

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Cool stuff on the net

How to become the type of person you want to be

I came across another really cool tweet by James Clear (tbh, all his tweets are super cool!), and point 3) really resonated with me.

For the longest time, I’ve wanted to possess certain traits which I didn’t think I necessarily had (at least in the quantities I wish I did).

However, I’d always be lost on how to go about acquiring these traits.

So, when I came across this idea—that to acquire any trait, you simply need to convince yourself that you possess it—it seemed so elegant and potent.

Because, if you think about it, no matter how many people reassure you of something about yourself, you wouldn’t believe it unless you are convinced about it.

So, how do you convince yourself that you possess a trait?

By acting in a manner that someone who possesses said trait would on a daily basis.

For instance, are you looking to become more courageous?

Put yourself in daunting situations and act courageously.

Start your own business.

Make a Youtube video.

Dance in public.

Do whatever it is that scares you!

That way, over time, you will have acted bravely across enough instances and accumulated enough evidence—or as James calls it, Small Wins—to prove to yourself that you, indeed, are courageous.

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That’s it for this week, folks.

Hit that ❤️ if you liked today’s issue.

Have thoughts on today’s content? Write to me at nagpal.ojasvin@gmail.com.

Until next time! ✌️

Ojas