17 Training courage, effort over talent, and dependency

No. 17 – 31 March 2023

Welcome to the 17th edition of 4-TP, a weekly newsletter with the actionable insights you need.

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TPL Article

How a Japanese diplomat found courage and saved thousands of lives using these 3 simple grade school rules.

— Read more​

Insight

Nineteenth century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche on effort and work over talent:

“Do not talk about giftedness, inborn talents! One can name great men of all kinds who were very little gifted. They acquired greatness, became ‘geniuses’ (as we put it). . . . They all possessed that seriousness of the efficient workman which first learns to construct the parts properly before it ventures to fashion a great whole; they allowed themselves time for it, because they took more pleasure in making the little, secondary things well than in the effect of a dazzling whole.”

Micro Thought

Seeking praise is a growing addiction. It's good when it's for effort, but it can be problematic when it's for talent.

Carol Dweck, pioneer on mindset research, says that when we're focused on effort, we challenge ourselves because we're concerned with growth, not praise.

When we rely too much on praise, we not only shy away from challenge, but our self worth becomes dependent on it and without it, we may feel lost.

In the end, praise is none other than living by others' expectations, concerning ourselves with how we're judged by others.

Question

We all feel stuck or lost at times. Our resilience helps us get past difficult situations, and it begins with asking the right questions:

• Am I stuck or am I just progressing at a slower than desirable pace?

• Am I going in the right direction or do I need to adjust course?

• Do I need to take a break and come back with a fresh perspective?

What are some questions you can ask yourself?

Till next week,
— Carlos & Stef