Learning isn't a way of reaching one's potential but rather a way of developing it.

While some may believe that world-class performance comes when you have a natural talent to do it, the truth cannot be farther. With deliberate, distraction-free and regular practice, you can become a world-class performer in your field as well and the next ideas will inform you about the steps required to achieve that state. (Bonus: Do not forget to read the last quote. It’s from Talha Mumtaz and you may be able to related with the insight more than anybody else).

World-class Performance Is Not The Result Of Innate Talent Alone

K. Anders Eriksson js a true pioneer when it comes to exploring material around outstanding performances and deliberate practice. He is actually the person on whose work the 10,000 rule is based on. A few years ago, he arranged everything in his book “Peak” and this book is a non-sensical approach to learning deliberate practice and how to reach the peak performance in your life.

Who Is K. Anders Eriksson?

K. Anders Eriksson writes a 4-step approach to reach the optimum state especially when trying to push your limits. This 4-step approach has been undertaken by one of his associates to truly achieve remarkable performance when memorising long strings of numbers. Here are the 4 steps: 1- Have a clear goal (lose 10 KG weight in 60 days)2- Stay focused with no distractions (cycling, eating healthy, and exercising without missing your routine)3- Consistently push yourself (cycle 1 KM on day one. Then 2 KM on day 3 and so on)4- Get feedback (ask friends to join and regularly talk about progress)

4-step Approach To Mastery

Do you know the difference between good and great? It depends on how fast you can reach the next levels without hurting yourself. To achieve that, your practice needs to be well-guided and systematic. Eriksson gives you a two-step approach to this: 1- The more developed your area of expertise is, the better and faster you will be nurtured. If there is more information and experts available, you’d be able to get better faster.2- You need to work with an expert, trainer or a coach who knows his stuff. The more he can guide you, the more steps you can skip and get pro faster.

Practice Becomes Deliberate When It’s Guided

Mozart, Picasso, and Ronaldo all are not just natural talent but also the result of deliberate training and practice. Mozart received excellent training from his father and put a lot of years in practice before he was being recognised as the greatest talent. You can do the same by practising regularly and deliberately and believe me, there will be a time when you will reach your ultimate state and become the greatest talent in your field.

Even The Greatest Talent Is Result Of Deliberate Practice

And lastly, if you’re a fan of Dragon Ball Z, you may have seen Goku transitioning from Saiyan to Super Saiyan, Blue Saiyan and ultimately Ultra Instinct Goku. This isn’t a result of talent but due to massive training and Goku’s ability to practice deliberately. He also fights and trains with the best warriors in the universe so as to skip steps and become the best fighter in the universe. You can combine some learnings from Goku and K. Anders Eriksson’s book and reach your Peak state likewise.

Learn how to reach your A-game by reading the insights gathered from years of research on what separates the best performers from the average ones.

“This book is a breakthrough, a lyrical, powerful, science-based narrative that actually shows us how to get better (much better) at the things we care about.”—Seth Godin, author of Linchpin “Anyone who wants to get better at anything should read [Peak]. Rest assured that the book is not mere theory. Ericsson’s research focuses on the real world, and he explains in detail, with examples, how all of us can apply the principles of great performance in our work or in any other part of our lives.”—Fortune Anders Ericsson has made a career studying chess champions, violin virtuosos, star athletes, and memory mavens. Peak distills three decades of myth-shattering research into a powerful learning strategy that is fundamentally different from the way people traditionally think about acquiring new abilities. Whether you want to stand out at work, improve your athletic or musical performance, or help your child achieve academic goals, Ericsson’s revolutionary methods will show you how to improve at almost any skill that matters to you.   “The science of excellence can be divided into two eras: before Ericsson and after Ericsson. His groundbreaking work, captured in this brilliantly useful book, provides us with a blueprint for achieving the most important and life-changing work possible: to become a little bit better each day.”—Dan Coyle, author of The Talent Code   “Ericsson’s research has revolutionized how we think about human achievement. If everyone would take the lessons of this book to heart, it could truly change the world.”—Joshua Foer, author of Moonwalking with Einstein

productivity

Productivity

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

exerciseandfitness

Exercise & Fitness

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

Anders Ericsson

Robert Pool

Peak

1. Self-Reflection2. Clarify Your Purpose3. Listen to Your Inner Wisdom4. Set Intentions5. Practice Mindfulness6. Seek Guidance7. Embrace Growth8. Take Inspired Action

Aligning actions with inner wisdom and higher purpose involves several steps

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

mindfulness

Mindfulness

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

problemsolving

Problem Solving

Aligning actions with inner wisdom and higher purpose 

Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical masterpiece, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," introduces the compelling concept of the Übermensch, frequently rendered in English as "Overman" or "Superman." This notion presents a wealth of deep psychological insights.

The Introduction

"One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star."

Begin by recognizing the instances where life seems devoid of significance. Rather than succumbing to despondency, let these moments serve as a prompt to scrutinize and reconsider your prevailing values and convictions. Through journaling, delve into what sincerely resonates with you, independent of societal expectations. This reflective journey can guide you towards cultivating a personal value system that authentically reflects who you are.

Conscious Value Creation

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

When faced with difficulties, consciously shift your perspective to see them as opportunities for growth. Practice gratitude journaling, not just for the good times but also for the challenges, noting how they've contributed to your development. This can foster resilience and a more positive outlook on life's inevitable hardships.

The Value of Hardship

"What does not kill me, makes me stronger."

Dedicate time regularly for self-reflection, using tools like journaling, meditation, or therapy to explore your inner world. Ask yourself challenging questions about your motives, beliefs, and desires. Be open to discovering uncomfortable truths, and use these insights as a foundation for personal transformation.

Self-Reflection & Self-Creation

"Become who you are!"

Step out of your comfort zone regularly. This doesn't necessarily mean engaging in physical risk but rather, taking risks in personal growth, such as trying new activities, expressing unpopular opinions, or setting ambitious goals. This practice builds courage and the capacity to face the unknown with confidence.

Living Dangerously

"The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!"

Adopt the practice of amor fati by finding something valuable or meaningful in every experience, especially in adversity. This can be achieved through mindfulness, where you fully engage with the present moment, accepting it without judgment. Over time, this can help cultivate a deep-seated joy in living, regardless of external circumstances.

Affirmation of Life

"My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it—all idealism is mendaciousness in the face of what is necessary—but love it."

Set personal goals that challenge your perceived limitations, whether they're physical, intellectual, emotional, or creative. Celebrate small victories along the way, and when faced with setbacks, view them as feedback rather than failures. This mindset encourages a proactive approach to life, where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth.

Cultivation of the Will to Power

"The will to power is not a being, not a becoming, but a pathos—the most elemental fact from which a becoming and effecting first emerge."

Imagine living your current life repeatedly, and ask yourself what changes you would make to live more authentically. Use this thought experiment to clarify your priorities and values, making decisions that bring you closer to the life you'd be willing to relive. This can serve as a powerful motivator for living with intention and purpose.

The Practice of Eternal Recurrence

"What, if some day or night a demon were to steal after you into your loneliest loneliness and say to you: 'This life as you now live it and have lived it, you will have to live once more and innumerable times more' ... Would you not throw yourself down and gnash your teeth and curse the demon who spoke thus? Or have you once experienced a tremendous moment when you would have answered him: 'You are a god and never have I heard anything more divine.'"

By actively engaging with these strategies, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, moving closer to becoming the architect of your own values and creator of your life's meaning, much in the spirit of Nietzsche's Übermensch.

The Conclusion

"Thus Spoke Zarathustra" (1883-85) by Nietzsche explores profound ideas via Zarathustra, inspired by Zoroaster. It blends poetry and philosophy, challenging traditional morality and introducing concepts like the Übermensch.

Friedrich Nietzsche: Thus Spoke Zarathustra. A Book for All and None Also sprach Zarathustra: Ein Buch für Alle und Keinen. Composed in four parts between 1883 and 1885 and published between 1883 and 1891. Translated by Thomas Common, T.N. Foulis, Edinbugh and London, 1909. Vollständige Neuausgabe. Herausgegeben von Karl-Maria Guth. Berlin 2015. Umschlaggestaltung von Thomas Schultz-Overhage unter Verwendung des Bildes: Wassilij Dimitriewitsch Polenow, Meditation auf dem Berg, 1900. Gesetzt aus Minion Pro, 11 pt.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

philosophy

Philosophy

habits

Habits

books

Books

Friedrich Nietzsche

Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Self-respect is the foundation of healthy self-esteem and self-worth. When you respect yourself, you recognize your inherent value and treat yourself with kindness, compassion, and dignity. This involves setting boundaries, advocating for your needs, and refusing to tolerate mistreatment or disrespect from others. Cultivating self-respect fosters a positive self-image and empowers you to pursue your goals and aspirations with confidence and resilience.

1. Self-respect

Self-care involves prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It encompasses activities and practices that nourish and replenish your energy, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in activities you enjoy. Prioritizing self-care allows you to recharge your batteries, reduce stress, and prevent burnout, enabling you to show up as your best self in all areas of your life.

2. Self-care

Authenticity is about being true to yourself and living in alignment with your values, beliefs, and aspirations. It involves embracing your strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections, and expressing yourself honestly and transparently in your thoughts, words, and actions. When you live authentically, you cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness, connection, and fulfillment, as you honor your unique identity and follow your own path rather than conforming to external expectations or pressures.

3. Authenticity

By prioritizing self-respect, self-care, and authenticity, you create a solid foundation for a healthy and meaningful life. These principles empower you to navigate life's challenges with grace and integrity, pursue your goals and dreams with confidence, and cultivate deep and fulfilling connections with yourself and others.

Prioritizing self-respect, self-care, and authenticity is essential for maintaining your well-being and living a fulfilling life. Here's why each of these is important

mentalhealth

Mental Health

Prioritizing self-respect, self-care, and authenticity

Mandino's narrative beautifully illustrates how the deliberate cultivation of positive habits can sculpt our destiny. This mirrors psychological research underscoring the monumental impact of daily routines and habits in shaping our identities and life trajectories. By intentionally embedding positive habits into our daily lives, we embark on a journey of self-transformation and realization.

The Power of Positive Habits

The scrolls serve as a testament to the indispensability of self-love and belief in one's capabilities. This principle resonates with psychological theories emphasizing self-efficacy and self-compassion as cornerstones for navigating life's adversities and reaching for the stars. Cultivating a bedrock of self-belief not only propels us forward but also fortifies us against the tempests of doubt and fear.

The Foundations Of Self-Belief

Through the life of Hafid, the book extols the virtues of perseverance and resilience in the odyssey of life. These themes are reflective of psychological resilience—the extraordinary ability to bounce back from setbacks and steadfastly pursue one's goals. This narrative reaffirms that the journey to greatness is paved with trials, but it is our unyielding spirit that ultimately defines our success.

The Essence of Persistence

Mandino champions the practice of visualizing success and articulating clear, attainable goals. This aligns with psychological findings on the power of mental contrasting—visualizing future achievements while acknowledging potential obstacles enhances motivation and the likelihood of success. This dual focus acts as a psychological catalyst, propelling individuals towards their aspirations with clarity and purpose.

The Magic of Visualization

One of the most poignant scrolls emphasizes acting with love, a principle that transcends mere emotional sentimentality and touches on the psychological concept of intrinsic motivation. When our actions are fueled by genuine love and passion, they become more meaningful and impactful, imbuing our lives with a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy.

The Power of Love

The advice to master one’s emotions echoes the critical psychological skill of emotional regulation. Navigating the complex landscape of our emotions with awareness and control is essential for making informed decisions, maintaining mental health, and fostering healthy relationships.

Mastering the Ocean of Emotions

The narrative beautifully illustrates how giving to others enriches the giver's soul, a concept deeply rooted in psychological research. Acts of altruism and kindness not only contribute to the well-being of others but also enhance the giver’s happiness and sense of purpose, affirming the interconnectedness of our well-being.

The Fulfillment in Giving

Through its melding of timeless wisdom and psychological insights, "The Greatest Salesman in the World" emerges not just as a guide to sales success, but as a beacon of inspiration for personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the pursuit of a fulfilled life.

The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino intricately intertwines the art of salesmanship with profound psychological wisdom, offering a tapestry of insights that extend far beyond mere selling techniques into the essence of personal transformation and fulfillment.

The runaway bestseller with more than four million copies in print! You too can change your life with the priceless wisdom of ten ancient scrolls handed down for thousands of years. “Every sales manager should read The Greatest Salesman in the World. It is a book to keep at the bedside, or on the living room table—a book to dip into as needed, to browse in now and then, to enjoy in small stimulating portions. It is a book for the hours and for the years, a book to turn to over and over again, as to a friend, a book of moral, spiritual and ethical guidance, an unfailing source of comfort and inspiration.”—Lester J. Bradshaw, Jr., Former Dean, Dale Carnegie Institute of Effective Speaking & Human Relations “I have read almost every book that has ever been written on salesmanship, but I think Og Mandino has captured all of them in The Greatest Salesman in the World. No one who follows these principles will ever fail as a salesman, and no one will ever be truly great without them; but, the author has done more than present the principles—he has woven them into the fabric of one of the most fascinating stories I have ever read.”—Paul J. Meyer, President of Success Motivation Institute, Inc. “I was overwhelmed by The Greatest Salesman in the World. It is, without doubt, the greatest and the most touching story I have ever read. It is so good that there are two musts that I would attach to it: First, you must not lay it down until you have finished it; and secondly, every individual who sells anything, and that includes us all, must read it.”—Robert B. Hensley, President, Life Insurance Co. of Kentucky

Og Mandino

The Greatest Salesman in the World

If your partner is always there when they say they will be, it shows they care about you and the relationship.

Being reliable

When your partner talks honestly and clearly with you, it means they're not hiding things and want to understand you better.

Talking openly

Even when you disagree, if your partner treats you with kindness and doesn't say mean things, it shows they care about your feelings.

Respecting each other

Doing things together, even simple stuff like cooking or watching TV, shows that your partner values being with you.

Spending time together

Sometimes, your partner might give up something they like to make you happy, which shows they care about your happiness.

Making sacrifices

If your partner encourages you to follow your dreams and cheers you on, it shows they want the best for you.

Supporting each other's dreams

When your partner says sorry and tries to fix things after a fight, it shows they care about your relationship more than winning arguments.

Admitting when they're wrong

Giving each other space to do your own thing shows that you trust and respect each other.

Respecting personal space

Celebrating each other's successes, no matter how small, shows that you're happy for each other.

Being each other's biggest fan

Being open about how you feel, even if it's scary, helps you understand each other better and strengthens your bond.

Showing emotions

If your partner sticks by your side when things get hard, it shows they're committed to you and your relationship.

Supporting each other through tough times

Do you ever find yourself wondering if your partner really values loyalty and commitment in your relationship?

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

teamwork

Teamwork

longevity

Longevity

11 signs you're in a relationship with someone who values loyalty and commitment

To be intelligent is to be a general problem solver. You can learn about history, learn how to dance or speak languages. The 2 meta problems you have to solve:<ol><li>The capacity to anticipate. The further you can see things unfolding into the future the more intelligent. </li><li>The ability to zero-in on the relevant information. The further you look into the future the more options you have to consider. Recognizing the important while ignoring the rest is a sign of intelligence. We do ignore most of our sensory inputs anyway.</li></ol>The more you are anticipating the harder it is to pick up on relevant information.

What does It Mean To Be Intelligent?

You are not intelligent by how much information you can take in, but by how much information you can ignore.

There is nothing in physics, chemistry or anything else that can measure the relevance of something. Relevance is contextual and personal.I grasp this bottle. Grapability is not an attribute of the bottle, as it can't be grassped by an ant. Nor an attribute of the hand since I can't grasp a car. The graspability is in the fitness of my hand to the bottle. It's in how the hand and the bottle belong to eachother, how they connect to eachother.

There Is No Relevance Marker

... are not the same, but somehow we got to treat them as synonyms. But you can be very well informed and foolish. Wisdom is about avoiding our self deception, our innate ability to lie to ourselves. Too much information can act as amuntition for the deception more than its antidote.Wisdom can be thought. But it's more of a practice than a simple information exchange. Socrates figured it out 2000 yrs ago with his dialectic method.

Knowledge And Wisdom

We are told meaning is purpose. It's actually more than that. Meaning has 4 components:<ol><li>Coherence. Your experience needs to make sense. It can't be absurd.</li><li>Significance. How real is the experience. You may have the perfect relationship but if (s)he cheated ... was the love real?</li><li>Connectedness. Being part of something greater than yourself.</li><li>Purpose. Working towards something. </li></ol>

What Give Life Meaning

<ol><li>Aristotle famously said cultivating character is the most important thing one can do. How much time do you spend per week to cultivate yours?</li><li>What do you want to exist, even if you don't? Do you care about something that transcends your ego?</li><li>What do you do right now to impact that thing?</li></ol>These questions don't have easy answers. It may take years to formulate them.

3 Question To Explore Meaning

Join James Beshara on a riveting journey into the mind of Dr. John Vervaeke, whose work at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy is setting the internet ablaze. This episode, recorded live in Venice Beach, explores the "Awake from the Meaning Crisis" lecture series, offering profound insights into how we understand and navigate our world.  Dive into "Magic Minds" with host James Beshara, where wisdom and innovation meet comedy and storytelling from the world's most brilliant minds. From the heart of startup culture to the depths of philosophy, James engages with thinkers, doers, and artists to uncover secrets of creativity, productivity, and personal well-being. Inspired by his own transformative journey and the creation of Magic Mind, this podcast is a beacon for anyone looking to enhance their mental performance, self-growth, and perspectives. Join us to elevate your morning ritual and unlock your highest potential.  James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles.  James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ) and a daily podcast and Youtube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://www.thedailyvedantic.co).

education

Learning & Education

podcasts

Podcasts

Host James Beshara is an angel investor, advisor, founder, & general startup-helper in Los Angeles, CA. He has started three companies, sold one (Tilt; acq by Airbnb), and invested in multiple billion-dollar startups in his career. Now he's talking openly and honestly with others about what's going on "below the line" — the 90% of the story you don't read about or hear about anywhere else.  Below the Line has evolved into a powerful weekly show that consistently takes a deep dive into the real journeys, the unspoken perspectives, and the psychological side of creating, founding, and learning.

Below the Line with James Beshara

Navigating the Meaning Crisis With Dr. Vervaeke

When a version of you ends, so will the connections attached to it.

Maybe the coming of people and the going of people signify new versions of ourselves.

Lewis Howes is a 2x New York Times best-selling author, 2x All-American athlete, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. The School of Greatness shares inspiring ...

Annalie Howling: Our Versions And Our Connections

When comparing God’s words to Satan’s words, a major difference is the tone and intent behind them. God’s words often carry a message of unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance. This message fosters trust, hope, and faith in God, bringing a sense of peace and happiness within oneself. On the other hand, Satan’s words often carry a message of division, judgment, and fear. This message fosters doubt, distrust, and fear in oneself, bringing a sense of anxiety and despair.

strategy

Strategy

The most important Lesson “Discernment”

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower

The only way to do great work is to love what you do

If you really look close, most overnight successes took a very long time

In the business world, everyone is surrounded by sharks. The only competitive advantage a small company has with a big one is it can turn on a dime

If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late.

The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.

Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing

The secret of successful hiring is this: look for the three qualities that are hard to find - integrity, intelligence, and energy - and if you can't find them all in one person, hire three people.

You don't build a future by worrying about what happened yesterday.

Adversity introduces a man to himself.

Everyone hears noises; a few listen.

The critical ingredient is getting up and doing something. It's by far more important than having an idea or a plan.

If you're not a risk taker, you should get out of business.

The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.

Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.

If you need to become a master at something, you need to be able to surround yourself with everything related to that "something" only.

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

From the greatest minds ever, I bring to you 19 quotes that will lead you to success.

entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

startup

Startups

19 Quotes to Lead Your Way to Success

Find 100+ Self Improvement Tips - Curated from popular Books like Atomic Habits, 48 Rules of Power, Deep Work, Rich Dad Poor Dad and way more!