Letter 37: The Subtle Art of Seeking Wisdom

Why Seeking Beats Chasing Every Single Time

We live in a world that glorifies the chase. The chase for more money, more recognition, more influence, more...everything. Scroll through social media, and you're bombarded with stories of people who seem to have it all. The result? We end up chasing a mirage, one that often leaves us exhausted and unfulfilled.

But here's the truth: The people who are genuinely fulfilled aren't the ones chasing success. They're the ones seeking something deeper — wisdom, clarity, and purpose.

Day 37 of 75HARD

Let's pause for a moment and think about this: What's the difference between chasing and seeking?

• Chasing is reactive. It's fueled by external validation and driven by fear — fear of missing out, fear of failure, fear of being left behind.
• Seeking is intentional. It's rooted in self-awareness, curiosity, and a desire to grow for the right reasons.

When you chase, you're running after something that's likely running away from you. But when you seek, you're moving toward something meaningful — something that aligns with your values, your purpose, and your unique path.

So, how do you start seeking wisdom instead of chasing success?

1. Listen more than you speak. Wisdom often comes in whispers. You can't hear it if you're constantly distracted by noise — both external and internal. Make it a habit to pause and truly listen, whether to others or to your inner voice.
2. Ask better questions. Instead of "How can I succeed quickly?" try asking, "What does success truly mean to me?" or "What am I willing to struggle for?" The quality of your questions determines the quality of your life.
3. Prioritize depth over speed. Life isn't a sprint; it's a journey. While it's tempting to rush through milestones, seeking wisdom means slowing down and embracing the process. It's in the moments of stillness that you find clarity.
4. Learn from those who've walked the path. Seek mentors, read timeless books, and surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking. True wisdom often lies in the experiences of those who've been where you want to go.
5. Align with your purpose. Chasing often leads you in circles because you're running without direction. Seeking is different — it's purposeful. It's about ensuring every step you take moves you closer to who you want to be.

What happens when you make this shift?

• You stop comparing your progress to others' highlight reels.
• You find peace in the journey rather than anxiety about the destination.
• You create a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside.

Here's a simple exercise to start: Take 10 minutes today to reflect on these questions:

• What am I truly seeking in life right now?
• Am I chasing things that don't align with my core values?
• What's one small action I can take today to seek wisdom over validation?

Wisdom isn't loud or flashy. It doesn't promise overnight success. But it does promise something far greater: a life of purpose, fulfillment, and peace.

Closing Thought

This week, I encourage you to stop chasing distractions and start seeking what really matters. Success might just be a byproduct of that journey.