Hello stranger,
It's been a while. I had some growing up to do. I still do, but in the meantime, I've thought some thoughts that I wanted to share with you today.
For the longest time, I've thought that life has to make sense chronologically. If life events or career choices would be lego blocks, then I always thought that you have to stack them neatly on top of each other. First, you manage your way through the education system, stacking one block on top of the other. Then you pick a career or at least decide on which career path you want to explore. There has to be a 'natural' progression in each decision you make, however.
For one lego stone to fit onto the other, it has to fit one of these categories:
You'll earn more money with
You'll gain status or prestige from it
It will give you greater access to people or institutions
It is a stepping stone to another lego stone you want to acquire
Well, I've recently decided that I was wrong. Maybe I wasn't. But the thing is, I'll never know. Sartre once said this thing about life being lived forwards and understood backward. I'm pretty sure he was right about that.
So I've decided that my legos don't have to be stacked neatly on top of each other, because I think that is going to make me happier. And also I have a pretty strong sense that it might make me a better builder as well.
After all, I don't think that success is about making the best Lego castle. It's about becoming the best builder you can be. And for that, sometimes you need to start again from scratch or take an unexpected route.
Did you like this newsletter?
In case you like reading Emma’s Notes and want to show your gratitude in the form of money, you can donate below. Your support enables me to continue to dedicate my time and energy to writing these newsletters independently. All donations, no matter how small are very much appreciated :)
Have a great week,
Got this forwarded? Sign up below.