ALTERNATIVE OUTLIERS

We see the world as we are, not as it is. Reality, then, is subjective to each of us.

When you meet an idiot, you say they're an idiot. But if you cross paths with ten idiots, you might be the idiot.

If you are dishonest, you will perceive every person you encounter as dishonest. If you cheat, you'll think everyone cheats.

If you're a coward who has given up on life, you'll feel threatened by anyone trying to rise above you. If you're negative and believe nothing can be done, you might consider yourself smart because you see flaws in every plan, even thinking optimism is for fools.

I despise this. When did scepticism become synonymous with intelligence? Why are optimists frowned upon, as if they haven't thought things through?

We are biased creatures, inherently risk-averse. You're not special; quite the opposite. Overriding your default mindset to embrace positivity and optimism is intelligent. Letting your mind control you with negativity is foolish.

If reality is subjective, you can believe anything you want. The concept "useful but not true" by Derek Sivers attempts to adapt your beliefs to what serves you. Believing in optimism might not always be true, but is useful. Thinking everyone is out there to get you might sometimes be true, but is not useful. It makes your life worse.

Whatever you focus on grows. Pessimism and optimism are both contagious. What would you rather embody? Where has your current approach led you so far?

Your brain is the most powerful machine in nature. It answers any question you input, but it's a double-edged sword, so be cautious about the inputs you provide.

The smartest people are those who think they are thinking independently, but often, it's their default software doing the talking. If you mistake "the voice" in your head for your true self, you'll convince yourself of anything. Intelligent people are so adept at deceiving others that they can deceive themselves without even noticing—see the meme below—while dumb people are aware of their limitations and question themselves, much like the enlightened.

The majority falters by not doubting themselves and being oblivious to the "unknown unknowns." This creates the unhappiest people because, although capable, they don't zoom out enough to realize that their worst enemy is themselves.

When you focus on yellow cars, you notice them more. When you're grateful, you find more things to be grateful for.

Once you have a belief, your brain will work tirelessly to validate it. If you believe no money can be made and no business will ever take off, don't expect the opposite.

Food for Thought This Week:

• What is something that believing in will make my life better, regardless of whether it's true?

• What is something I believe that is making my life worse, that I could change today? (For example, wanting to find a partner but believing all men are trash.)

• Are you currently aware of your zone of competence? Define your unknown unknowns.

• Who is one person in your life who is completely taken over by their negative bias? Do you let them affect you?

I hope you liked this week’s post. I surely did.

stay curious, Karam