Embracing The Grind

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

—Thomas Edison

Dear Investors & Friends,

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Welcome to this week’s SundayReads.

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Today, while scrolling through my mails, I came upon this beautiful thought by James Clear of Atomic Habits:?

"When you choose the benefits of an action, you also choose the drawbacks. You have to want the lifestyle, not just the outcomes. Otherwise, it doesn't make any sense being jealous. The results of success are usually public and highly visible, but the process behind success is often private and hidden from view. It's easy to want the public rewards, but also have to want the hidden costs."

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Success is often idolized in its final form—an accomplished author, a chiseled bodybuilder, a financial guru. As James Clear articulates in Atomic Habits, choosing the benefits of an action inevitably means choosing its drawbacks. To illustrate this, let's explore three distinct sectors where this principle holds true: writing, fitness, and personal finance.

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Writing a novel is a dream shared by many, enchanted by the idea of book signings, positive reviews, and literary acclaim. However, the road to becoming an author is paved with solitary hours at the keyboard, frequent bouts of self-doubt, and the gruelling process of editing and rewriting.

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Take my friend, Yogin Sabnis, for instance. He envisioned his name on the spine of a bestseller. When he finally decided to write his first book, the initial excitement soon gave way to the reality of the task. Early mornings and late nights were spent wrestling with words, creating and discarding drafts. Social events were missed, and sleep was often sacrificed. Yet, he persisted, embracing the struggle as part of the journey. When his book was finally published, the joy was immense—not just because of the finished product, but because of the hard work that had made it possible.

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The allure of a sculpted physique can drive many to the gym, inspired by the attention and admiration that often accompany such a transformation. But behind every toned muscle and defined abs is a lifestyle that demands unwavering discipline.

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Consider Abha, who was battling weight since young and aspired to become fit. Her journey wasn't just about lifting weights; it involved meal planning, counting calories, and enduring repetitive and sometimes monotonous workouts. Socializing over food became tricky, and indulgent treats were rare. There were days when progress seemed invisible, and motivation waned. Nevertheless, Abha’s dedication to the process, rather than just the end result, kept her going. Her success was not merely in the physical transformation but in adopting a disciplined lifestyle that is redefining her entire approach to health and fitness.

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Financial independence is a coveted goal, promising freedom and security. Yet, achieving it requires more than just dreaming of a prosperous future; it involves making consistent, sometimes challenging, financial decisions.

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Hrushikesh aspired to retire early and live comfortably. His journey towards financial independence required significant lifestyle adjustments. He adhered to a strict budget, prioritizing savings over splurging, and investing wisely. The sacrifices were real and sometimes disheartening. For instance, he forwent vacations and luxury purchases to build his savings. However, as his investments grew and compounded, the tangible benefits became evident, thereby underscoring Hrushikesh’s story that the path to financial independence is about embracing a disciplined and informed approach to money management.

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The allure of success can be powerful, yet it's crucial to understand and accept the entire journey—both the rewards and the sacrifices because true success demands embracing the process, not just the outcome.

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What is your take? Do comment.

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Until then,

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Warm Regards,?

Kavita Bothra?

Helping you think thoughts you may not have thought before.