When we try to come across as smart, we rob ourselves of an opportunity to understand the world in a deeper way.
Trading learning and real, personal connection for a brief moment of satisfaction is the opposite of smart. It's shortsighted.
Listening and understanding requires more energy than talking. It requires intellectual curiosity. It's what wise people do.

Don't try to be smart

When we decide to pursue an important goal, everything else we say yes to adds up. Like tiny drops of water that are poured into a bucket. When the bucket is empty, we can run. As it fills, it becomes heavier. — A bucket that took no conscious effort to carry around, suddenly becomes something we have to actively manage. It becomes a distraction. When it’s full, we can barely walk. We make progress slowly. We spend almost as much energy trying to keep the water in as we do trying to reach the finish line.
Saying no is hard. It takes courage. It takes discipline. Sometimes, it takes everything we have. But that might be worth it when that’s all we have to do in order to start running again.

Learn to say no

Throughout life, some people will be kind enough to provide us with negative feedback on matters that are sensitive to us.
At times, it will feel unfair or unjustified. Either because of the way the feedback was given. Or because it relates to our sense of identity. But we can learn to see feedback as an opportunity for growth and reflection.
a) Take negative feedback as a warm hug. A gift you can use to grow.
b) Next time someone gives you feedback, resist the urge to defend yourself. Listen attentively. Thank the other person for giving you their time and mental space.

Take feedback as a gift

We can change the thoughts that naturally come to our mind by deciding to take charge of the things we focus on.
When we ask ourselves the same question every single day, we train our minds to focus on that.
Where are you putting your attention? What do you ask yourself every night before going to bed?

Moonwith

Control your frame

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Don't try to be smart

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