Good morning! I’m Aryan and I share stories around business, startups and life in a pursuit to figure out the philosophy behind everything. Join 720 curious minds who receive an exclusive piece like this every Sunday in your inbox:
You know one of the best feelings in life when you're free to do whatever you want.
Truth is life isn't free. There's no freedom. We're all bounded by the invisible lines of capitalism, expectations and hopes.
One you cannot break, and the others you don't want to break.
When you got your bases covered, you can work on things you truly want to.
But when you cut off those bases because they take up your energy, time or money, your first move becomes all about how do you cover those bases.
You think about doing the things that gave you and your family security.
No matter your privilege, unless you have those bases covered, your mind won't be able to look ahead. Only a select few can handle this situation.
So, if you think dropping out will set you free, you're wrong! It binds you even more.
It gives you a perspective about life that you hadn't ever imagined.
And no, none of us are prepared for the reality. Atleast not at 18-19-20.
When you try to break away from your present reality in college, a dirty one lingers right behind you. You just don't know it yet.
2 things happen once you take that decision:
You spend the rest of your youth covering those bases and creating stability through other means.
You breakfree from the bases and go all in on something truly great. And maybe achieve it in the process.
The former is 90% of us. And the latter is less than 1% of us.
So, anyone telling you dropping out will get you your dream life is having a severe problem of survivorship bias.
What's the right way for most of us?
Having all those basis covered is a privilege. Even if it sucks a part of your energy, it's your job to keep at it.
Increase your energy, instead of cutting of something that's taking your energy.
Wake up early, workout, do yoga and create a solid routine.
Even if you work for 3-5 hours on the thing you want to do freely, it's enough. You just have to do it well.
Once you cut off that arm, you'll feel like you'll be able to put in all your 18 hrs to the thing you want to do, but your mind won't allow it.
Your mind in stress won't allow you to work freely.
And that’s not the kind of freedom you were looking for in the first place right?
What's coming this week?
A thread on MS Dhoni’s secret mental model is coming on Monday. Dhoni fans are going to love it the most.
On Tuesday I’ll dive deep into the same topic here in my newsletter and expand upon the leadership lessons from Dhoni for startup founders.
A thread on a fiery (slightly offensive) topic “Stop trying to make your parents proud of yourself” coming on Wednesday
Another thread on the decline of Marvel is coming on Friday.
Subscribe now to not miss the updates:
What am I reading?
Recently bought a lot of new books in the sale.
Which include Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte.
As someone who loves creating, I have a habit of forgetting 90% of my excellent thoughts. This book solves for that.
Next is On Writing by Stephen King. Trying to up my writing game!
FinFloww Zone
We just launched FlowwSchool’s first Cohort class for people who want to start their investing and trading journey. It’s a 5 week course with 10 sessions. Just for Rs. 999. Check it out here:
And maybe there’s One More Thing!
We weren’t able to do a podcast this week, but we got a lot of things planned including shorts. But until then enjoy this one with Volume Stories Co-Founder Jonah: