Earlier today, I was taking my data analysis class when I stumbled on what seemed to be an insurmountable challenge at the time. I was learning Excel formulas and this time I was trying to get some data using the xlookup function. I tried it multiple times, but I wasn't getting the desired result. It kept popping up a REF error. It was very frustrating for me. I tried different things, googled and all, but it wasn't getting the result I wanted. Something in my head kept telling me to keep going, that the result was near. Lo, and behold, it was. I eventually stumbled on a GitHub profile and found all the information I needed and I finally got the data I wanted. It's nothing particularly outstanding or anything but the whole experience made me realize one thing; You are a Work in Progress.
A Work In Progress
Inside your head now you'd have probably gone, "obviously, who doesn't know that", and you're actually right, BUT what we haven't realized as humans is that we need continual reminders of something for us to be able to accustom our self to the concept. It is not enough to just know it, do you apply it? Do you believe it? Do you understand it? etc. The stoics talk about how important it is for us the living to go to the morgue occasionally just to remind ourselves of our fragility and the fleeting nature of our existence. The ancient philosophers took theirs a step further. They lived with the idea of Memento Mori. An excuse to wine, and make merry while one is still alive, as that is inevitable, and it is coming for us all. Maybe don't take it that far, lol.
Listen, remind yourself every day that you're a work in progress. Trust the process. You never go through a smooth road to find treasure. Makes a bit of sense that. I hope. This really helps you understand the concept of growth in general and allow yourself room for error because after all, you're only human.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR COMING TO ANOTHER TED Talk. See you soon.