Sahil Bloom is an inspirational writer and content creator, captivating millions of people every week through his social insights and bi-weekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle.
Guest Author: Sahil Bloom
10 paradoxes that changed my life…
(and may change yours)
1. The Growth Paradox: Growth takes a much longer time coming than you think, but then happens much faster than you ever thought possible. Growth happens gradually, then suddenly. Slowly, then all at once.
2. The Persuasion Paradox: Have you ever noticed that the most argumentative people rarely persuade anyone of anything? Persuasive people don’t argue—they observe, listen, and ask thoughtful questions. Argue less, persuade more. Persuasion is an art that requires a paintbrush, not a sledgehammer.
3. The Productivity Paradox: Work longer, get less done. Parkinson’s Law says that work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion. When you establish fixed hours to your work, you find unproductive ways to fill it. Work like a lion instead—sprint, rest, repeat.
4. The Fear Paradox: The thing you fear the most is often the thing you most need to do. Fears, when avoided, become limiters on our progress. Make a habit of getting closer to your fears—treat them as magnets for your energy and you’ll find growth on the other side.
5. The Intelligence Paradox: Intelligence can lead to stupidity. Highly intelligent people are more likely to fall victim to stupidity by convincing themselves they are smarter than the system. They create complexity vs. doing the boring, easy thing that works. Never outsmart yourself.
6. The Advice Paradox: Taking more advice can leave you less well-prepared. Harsh Truth: Most advice sucks. It’s well-intentioned, but it’s dangerous to use someone else’s map of reality to navigate yours. Winners develop filters and selectively implement advice—take the signal, skip the noise.
7. The Effort Paradox: Effortless, elegant performances are simply the result of a large volume of effortful, gritty practice. You have to put in more effort to make something appear effortless. Small things become big things, simple is not simple.
8. 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 lifelong learning.
9. The Opportunity Paradox: Take on less to accomplish more. Success doesn’t come from taking on everything that comes your way. It comes from focus—deep focus on the projects that really matter. Say yes to what matters, say no to everything else. Your time is an asset to be cherished.
10. The Boredom Paradox: The most creative, captivating ideas stem directly from periods of intense boredom. You’re bored, your mind wanders, your thoughts mingle—creative insight strikes. Schedule more of it into your weeks.
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