Summary 's Key Ideas from Master of Change
by Brad Stulberg

Tragic optimism is like a sunflower growing through a skull - Tragic (skull) Optimism (sunflower). The flower doesn't care it's sprouting from something dead; it just keeps reaching for the light while using death as its foundation. The darker the soil, the taller it grows!

If you feel like you’re not quite standing out, here are journaling prompt on how you can become more unique.

"What pursuits could I start, maintain, or spend more time with?"

And for integration,

"How can I bring together the different parts of my personality into a well-rounded story?"

When you want to take control and make something happen, the independent lens is your best friend.

But when you’re in a chaotic environment, the interdependent lens can help you navigate through it.

"Remember to think non-dually. Even in a single project, there will likely be moments that benefit from deploying each lens."

1. Pause by labeling your emotions
2. Process by practicing non-identification, viewing your situation
3. Plan by self-distancing and gaining even greater perspective as you evaluate your options
4. Proceed by taking micro-steps, treating each as an experiment and adjusting as you go

Routines and rituals provide structure and stability when everything around us is changing. They also serve as a reliable source of voluntary simplicity: the world may be chaotic but I know that every Sunday morning I go for a run.

"the first rule of routines is to develop one and stick with it; the second rule is to be okay with releasing from it."

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