"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today."

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

"The best way to predict the future is to create it."

"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

<ul><li>Your support means the world to me! When you like and comment, it not only motivates me but also tells me that you’re enjoying the content.</li><li> Every like and comment encourages me to create even better posts just for you.</li><li>Plus, when you engage, you’re helping others discover content they’ll love, too! So, if you find value here, hit that like button and drop a comment. Let’s grow and learn together!</li></ul>

productivity

Productivity

philosophy

Philosophy

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

habits

Habits

10 Powerful Quotes That Will Instantly Change Your Perspective!

How often do you find yourself drowning in a sea of notes, scattered across multiple platforms, with no clear way to manage them? You’re juggling meetings, emails, projects, and an endless stream of information, yet your Note-taking system feels more like a burden than a solution.

The Struggle of Notes for Busy Professionals

"If you can’t describe what you are doing as a process, you don’t know what you’re doing."

The six core workflows, carefully designed and fully tested by the <a href="https://paperlessmovement.com/digital-note-taking-course/">Paperless Movement®</a> for Note-taking are designed to simplify the process for busy professionals, covering various needs like quick idea capture, deeper thinking, and connecting information.

The Power of Six Workflows (No More, No Less)

If you’re someone who craves the tactile feel of writing on paper but also wants the benefits of digital tools, this workflow is for you. It bridges the gap between traditional and digital, allowing you to sketch and map out ideas without losing the natural flow.

Workflow 1: The Closest to Paper Experience

Need to capture quick thoughts or ideas that pop up during your hectic day? This workflow is all about speed and flexibility, ensuring that you never lose a valuable idea or detail amidst the chaos.

Workflow 2: Jot Things Down

When it’s time to go deeper, whether you’re crafting a presentation, writing an email, or strategizing a new business service, this workflow helps you focus and develop your ideas in a structured way. It’s perfect for diving into deeper thinking, reflection, and strategy.

Workflow 3: Develop Your Thinking

Taking notes during meetings, phone calls, or webinars? This workflow ensures that your notes don’t just sit there. It helps you connect key information with related data, creating a network of insights you can easily access later.

Workflow 4: Write and Connect Information

How often do you need to capture insights from newsletters, PDFs, videos, or websites? This workflow is designed for exactly that: making sure you can easily extract and use valuable information from external sources.

Workflow 5: Note-taking on Third-Party Content

This is where the magic happens. This workflow helps you transform notes into action. It’s the bridge between knowledge and doing, ensuring that your notes translate into meaningful tasks, projects, or strategies, whether for personal or business purposes.

Workflow 6: The One that Goes Beyond

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Start with one workflow that suits your current needs and gradually implement the others to avoid overwhelm.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Incorporate the chosen workflow into your daily work by using a consistent tool, such as a digital notebook, to reduce chaos and build effective habits.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Visualizing your progress by tracking workflows can reinforce habits and improve the efficiency of your Note-taking process.</li></ol>

How to Implement These 6 Workflows Today (No Guesswork, Just Action!)

<a href="https://paperlessmovement.com/quiz/">Take our FREE quiz</a> to uncover what’s working and how to optimize it!

Is your productivity system truly working, or are you constantly struggling?

writing

Reading & Writing

timemanagement

Time Management

business

Business

Busy Professionals Only Need 6 Workflows to Move Note-taking to the Next Level

Focus is the key to many problems.You will learn how to choose the right time,place and tools to organize your life.When you have a habit of writing your tasks,ideas etc somewhere and not storing them in your mind you will feel calmer.

Introduction

Having a system that allows you to work with being relaxed that is to control your to-do list is important.Evey time our jobs and duties change.Now it's up to the employees how they complete their job.

A New practice For A New Reality

1)Be clear about what it is that you want to do.Write ideas to make them clear.2)Try to be 100% focused on the task at hand.You have to be laser-focused.Have a clear vision and a distraction free work zone.To concentrate more it's better that you write the task and a follow up sentence describing the task because your brain wil try to remind you again and again unless you finish them.This is distracting.Try to review the list by the end of the week and make changes if necessary3)Focus is the key to doing more in less time

Sometimes by keeping a to-do list that you don't review, you may lose a few ideas that may restrict us from succeeding.To avoid this we need a plan.There are different types of planning :1)Horizontal planning2)Vertical planning3)Natural planning

Getting Projects Creatively Under Way:the5Phases Of Project Plan

Horizontal planningYou clearly set the goal of each task and the actions and steps required to achieve that goal.This type of planning may require setting visible reminder.

Vertical Planning It involves more focus on details and trying to come up with solutions to achieve every step.You can achieve this by writing on a piece of paper.

Natural planning(Brain):The most effective planning Your brain is capable of doing much more useful things.It involves 5 steps.1)You need to plan your goal2) Have a clear vision of your outcome3)You need to start brainstorming ideas.4)You need to organise this ideas.5) You need to identify your next course of action.E.g.planning your dinner.1)You decide the purpose of your dinner.2)You start to have an idea about the outcome.You envision that place of eating.3)You start to have ideas.Like time4)You start to organise them.5)You decide to take the first action.for e.g you call your friend.

Most successful people have just integrated a simple trick to achieve success.To do this you need to have clear vision of right time,space and tool.Time-Set aside atleast two days.Use holiday/weekend.It seems long but the results are worth itPlace-Have your own desk to write down and organise your life.Even if you work at office, have a working station at home.Tools-Things that you can use to process your thoughts and organize them into the right folder where they belong.For e.g 🖊️,post-it notes, 📆, 🖥️.Its up to you how you decide how to equip your desk.

Getting Started:setting Up The Time,Space And Tools.

Using calendar<ul><li>Having a calendar is very essential.</li><li>The type doesn't matter as long as you are using it the right way.</li><li>Don't use calendar to keep track of incomplete tasks that you'll never review.</li><li>A calendar is meant to keep reminders os specific tasks that must be done at specific times no matter what.For e.g attending a workshop.</li><li>You may use a hard copy/software.Just keep in mind that no tool can work alone.You will need to integrate multiple tools and use different tricks.</li></ul>

1)Collect everything that needs to be organized.The time period to do this may depend on the amount of stuff.Go through every storage unit of your house.I)Do physical gathering.Check if anything is lying without a permanent place in your house.E.g.Desk drawers.2)Do mental gathering-Sit and write down all your ideas on paper. <ul><li>Put all of your work in basket.Now you'll have clear idea on how much work you need to do.It is time consuming but it's worth it.</li><li>Delegate your tasks.Divide your tasks in simple and bigger.Start with top priority taks 1st.Focus on 1 task at a time.</li></ul>

Collection:Corralling Your stuff.

Now you can categorize all your tasks in different categories.They include your projects,calendar events,your next action list,your waiting for list,your someday list.<ul><li>Project list-all the tasks that require more than one step to get done.</li><li>Calendar event-It should include all the tasks that have a specific due date.</li><li>Next action list-1.Tasks that require taking action.</li></ul> 2.Needs to be done in one itting/context. <ul><li>Someday list-You can use of folder,planner or a software.This means you don't write the same task in 2 categories.They will only confuse you.</li></ul>

Doing:Making The Action Choices

Many people feel that they have a lot of work to do but have very little time to accomplish them.They want to take a break.This book will help you to  get things done in less time with being organised.You feel you don't have time is because you have too many distracting thoughts simultaneously.

In today's world, yesterday's methods just don't work. In Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of people across the country. Allen's premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our minds are clear and our thoughts are organized can we achieve effective productivity and unleash our creative potential. In Getting Things Done Allen shows how to: Apply the &quot;do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it&quot; rule to get your in-box to empty Reassess goals and stay focused in changing situations Plan projects as well as get them unstuck Overcome feelings of confusion, anxiety, and being overwhelmed Feel fine about what you're not doing From core principles to proven tricks, Getting Things Done can transform the way you work, showing you how to pick up the pace without wearing yourself down.

remotework

Remote Work

problemsolving

Problem Solving

books

Books

David Allen is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. David Allen has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. David Allen's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

David Allen

Getting Things Done

As a busy professional, you’ve probably spent countless hours juggling productivity tools, hoping for a game-changer. But you’re left with a cluttered tool stack and more frustration than results.

The Challenge

Introducing the ICOR® Framework, your blueprint for building the perfect tool stack, designed to streamline your workflow and help you pinpoint the tools that truly matter.

The ICOR® Framework

The ICOR® Framework breaks your productivity system into four key areas: business, personal, information, and action. It enables you to see all the possible combinations and spot gaps and redundancies.

How it Works

It further breaks down your tools into 3 types to make smarter, more strategic choices. <ul><li>Core Apps are the backbone of your system, offering essential features and acting as your Single Source of Truth.</li></ul> <ul><li> Satellite Apps are supporting players that enhance your Core Apps. These tools reduce friction and improve specific tasks, like workflow automation, better GUI/UX or capturing information.</li></ul> <ul><li>Utility Apps add productivity boosts but aren't essential. They’re the extras you can swap or remove without disrupting your core system.</li></ul>

"Sorting" Tools

You can apply the ICOR® Framework today. Take a moment to map out your current tools using the four ICOR® areas, and see where they fall: are they Core, Satellite, or Utility apps? What overlaps or gaps exist in your system? Once you’ve done this, you’ll immediately gain clarity on which tools to keep, which to replace, and which to let go of altogether.

How the ICOR® Framework Can Help You Right Now

How the ICOR® Framework ends your tool stack struggles

strategy

Strategy

The Ultimate Framework for Building Your Perfect Productivity Tool Stack

As a busy CEO, manager, or entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of juggling projects and managing teams.But, what if the real issue isn’t the workload—it’s understanding the real concept behind Project Management?

Feeling overwhelmed by looming deadlines and endless tasks?

Project Management is about:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Plotting the path: Strategically organizing tasks to keep projects on track.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Prioritizing like a pro: Knowing which tasks are mission-critical and tackling them first.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Aligning with team goals: Connecting every task to the bigger picture.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Turning ideas into action: Making your team’s big-picture visions a reality.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Strengthening communication: Ensuring seamless collaboration.</li></ol>

The Puzzle of Project Management: Piece by Piece

Many busy professionals think Project Management is just about assigning tasks.It’s so much more.It's the key to transforming your team into a productive, aligned, and stress-free operation.

Why Most Teams Fail at Project Management

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Clarify roles and goals: Every team member should know the bigger picture and their specific role in achieving it.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Set clear priorities: Establish a task hierarchy based on what’s most urgent and important.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Choose the right tools: At the <a href="https://paperlessmovement.com/">Paperless Movement®</a>, we've developed the <a href="https://paperlessmovement.com/our-tools/">ICOR® Framework</a>, which helps busy professionals visualize and organize their tools.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Communicate effectively: Set up structured channels to prevent confusion and ensure progress.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Refine continuously: Regularly review and refine your process to stay aligned with your goals.</li></ol>

How to Get Started

Without this understanding, teams often struggle with confusion, misplaced priorities, and breakdowns in communication.Ready to transform how your team works?Explore how to build a high-performing team today!

Last Thoughts

Take our <a href="https://paperlessmovement.com/quiz/">FREE Quiz</a> to uncover what’s working and how to optimize it!

Productivity always starts with a clear concept

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

Why Understanding Project Management is the Key to a High-Performing Team

If you release a black balloon, would that also fly? Yes, because it is not the colour of the balloon, it is what’s inside that makes it go up.

Helium-filled Balloon

The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.

Foundation of success regardless of your chosen filled is

<ol><li>Opportunity is always under our feet.</li><li>Grass always looks greener on the other side.</li><li>There are people who would be happy to trade places with us.</li><li>Those who don’t know how to recognise opportunity complain of noise when it knocks.</li><li>Opportunities are easily recognised when leaving.</li><li> Opportunity only knocks once. </li><li>A right decision at the wrong time becomes a wrong decision.</li></ol>

Acres Of Diamonds - Moral of the story

Every problem comes with an equal or greater opportunity

Successful organizations or countries think and act more effectively. They do so by investing in their most valuable asset- people.Better attitude people would be better team players, cut back on waste and become more loyal. Human Resources is the most valuable asset of any business. Unfortunately, it is also the most wasted of resources.

Importance Of Attitude to Organizations

TQP are people with character, integrity, good values and positive attitudes.For example people who serve customers should say “thank you” and “please” to people they serve. But how long can a person smile if he doesn’t have desire to serve. Therefore there has to be substance over form, not form over substance (desire to serve). Employee says I can’t do it<ul><li> either they don’t know how to do it and that’s a technical issue or</li><li> It they don’t want to. </li></ul>

Total Quality People

Be a better person and you will have my brains.

What happens when we take family problems to work? Our stress level goes up and our productivity comes down. Similarly opposite is also true. Personal, professional and social problems impact each other.

Holistic

<ol><li>Environment- home, school, work, media, culture, religion, traditions, beliefs, social environment, politics</li><li>Experience</li><li>Education</li></ol>

Factors That Determine Your Atti

In a positive environment, a marginal performer’s output goes up. In a negative environment, a good performer’s output goes down.

They are caring, confident, patient and humble. They have high expectations of themselves and others. They anticipate positive outcomes. They are like a fruit of all season.

How do you recognise people with a positive attitude?

<ul><li>Makes for a pleasing personality</li><li>Is energising</li><li>Increases your enjoyment of life</li><li>Inspires others around you</li><li>Helps you become a contributing member of society</li></ul>

Benefits of a positive attitude For You

<ul><li>Increases productivity</li><li>Foster teamwork</li><li>Solve problems</li><li>Improve quality</li><li>Makes for congenial atmosphere</li><li>Breeds loyalty</li><li>Increases profits</li><li>Foster better relationship with employers, employees, and customers</li><li>Reduces stress</li></ul>

Benefits of a positive attitude for the organization

<ul><li>Bitterness</li><li>Resentment</li><li>A purposeless life</li><li>Ill health</li><li>High stress levels</li></ul>

Consequences Of A Negative Attitude

Human nature generally resist change. We get comfortable with our negativity and we don’t want to accept the change, even if it is for the better. If your attitude is negative, your life is restricted. Your success will be limited. You will have less friends. Your enjoyment of the life will be less. In the end, it is worth working to build a positive attitude, even if it means enduring the temporary stress and uncertainty of change.

Why don’t we change?

Chapter One: Importance of Attitude (Building a positive attitude)

Winners don't different things, they do things differently A practical, common-sense guide that will lead you from ancient wisdom to modern-day thinking, You Can Win will help you to establish new goals, develop a renewed sense of purpose, and generate fresh and exciting ideas about yourself and your future. Shiv Khera guarantees, as the title suggests, a lifetime of success. The book enables you to translate positive thinking into attitude, ambition and action, all of which combine to give you the winning edge. This book will help you to: · Build confidence by mastering the seven steps to positive thinking; · Be successful by turning weaknesses into strengths; · Gain credibility by doing the right things for the right reasons; · Take charge by controlling things instead of letting them control you; · Build trust by developing mutual respect with the people around you; and · Accomplish more by removing the barriers to effectiveness.

humanresources

Human Resources

Shiv Khera is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Shiv Khera has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Shiv Khera's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Shiv Khera

You Can Win

I still remember the exact moment I realized I was stuck. It was a Sunday afternoon, and it was raining.I was at the train station, waiting for the train. But the rain caused many delays — mine was 180 minutes.How much should it rain to delay a train for three hours? These were the dumb questions I asked myself.

Being Stuck In Life

I was listening to Choke by OneRepublic. My girlfriend dumped me two hours earlier. And I just wanted to get home. But I was stuck there, in that cold train station.I smiled, thinking about the irony — I was also stuck in life. I had no close friends. I didn’t know what I wished to do in life. And I hated myself for not knowing what to do next.What do you do without a girlfriend?What do you do without friends?And what am I supposed to do now that I am alone?

What do I do now?

I wish I could tell you reading a few books was enough. But that would be a lie. I didn’t know what would work. So, I had to try many things.After that rainy day, I knew I had to change something — many things, to be fair. But I had no clue where to start from. So, I made the mistake anyone would make on their first time trying to become a better person.I consumed anything I found. And unfortunately, the worst things attract you the most — especially when you’re suffering.

The Self-Improvement Path (1)

You're reading an excerpt from <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge</a> — a weekly newsletter dedicated to self-improvement, goal-setting, habits, time management, and health tips.Every week, you'll receive:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A life-enhancing challenge</li><li class="ql-align-justify">A custom infographic to track your progress</li></ul><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe now</a> and start your first challenge.

I woke up every morning in the same old routine. I knew I had to change. But I couldn’t find the motivation and willpower to get started. I spent my money on gadgets and distractions. I made excuses, telling myself they would make me feel better. But the next day, I was still broken. The only thing that changed was the summary in my bank account.

The Self-Improvement Path (2)

I tried to make new friends. But every time I talked with somebody new, I didn’t know what to tell them. I felt like there was nothing special in my life worth sharing. And I was right.I kept collecting all that knowledge but my life wasn’t improving. So, I decided I had enough — I had to start fresh. I had to start somewhere new. That’s when a friend gifted me The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.

The Self-Improvement Path (3)

I got to know Alessio at the university course on Automatic Controllers. And we decided to study together for the exam.In three months, we bonded a lot. And he understood I was broken, even if I never said anything. After the exam, he wanted to thank me for helping him. So he gifted me The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.It may be just me giving it too much value. It might not be anything special. But that was the first book that changed my life. It taught me the philosophy of small daily steps. And it gave me hope.

1 — The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson (1)

I never heard about the Growth Rules, the Pareto Principle, or Atomic Habits before. But Olson’s examples on how reading ten pages a day could change my life blew my mind.It’s a simple book. It doesn’t want to be anything fancy. But it teaches you that daily actions and discipline pay off more than any other strategy. You may have the best productivity systems ever created. You may also have more free time or financial resources than anyone else. But if you don’t work on your goals daily, they will never come true.

1 — The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson (2)

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Small daily habits can make or break your life. If you <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/the-habit-hacking-formula">craft good habits </a>, you will succeed. If you keep bad habits, you will fail.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Time is a lens — it magnifies your discipline. Everything evolves if you give it enough time.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Simple plans win over complicated schedules only because they are easier to execute.</li></ul>

Lessons I Learned

I loved The Slight Edge because it gave me hope. For the first time, I was confident I would get my life back.I wanted to meet new people. I wanted to learn new things and travel the world. It reignited my passion. But it couldn’t do anything with my distracted mind.

The Social Media Dilemma (1)

For the first two weeks, I tried to <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/the-benefits-of-morning-routines">build new healthy habits</a>.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">I meditated first thing in the morning and then went for a run.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">In the evening, I wrote a gratefulness journal and read at least 20 pages of a book.</li></ul>But I couldn’t stop checking my ex’s Instagram profile. I couldn’t get away from my phone and computer. And I desperately needed to find a way because it affected my motivation.Luckily, in that period, Cal Newport released his bestseller-to-be Digital Minimalism .

The Social Media Dilemma (2)

Deep Work was the book that taught me how to focus. But I needed Digital Minimalism to get back on track.I was living in a new stressful situation. I was working on myself and still couldn’t see any results. And worst of all, I couldn’t stop checking my ex’s profiles. I became a digital stalker.But my smartphone addiction went further. I was also checking on all my friends’ profiles, trying to make contact.

2 — Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (1)

I was desperately searching for someone to talk with. But nobody wanted to talk to me. And it was painful.Digital Minimalism helped me stop. It helped me understand I was cluttering my mind with useless information that made me miserable. And that I had to declutter my environment.That was the first time I experienced a 30-day digital declutter challenge. It was harder than working out every day for a year. But it helped me reconnect with my values and leave out my toxic addiction to my smartphone.

2 — Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (2)

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The first weeks of any detox will hurt like fiery ashes on your skin. But the feeling of success at the end of the journey pays off.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Spending time alone helps you understand who you are. You can find your purpose only when you remain alone and question yourself and your actions.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">You can leave the house without your phone. In 99% of cases, you will feel like you need it. But in 99% of cases, you will realize you don’t.</li></ul>

I learned how to build habits and focus on them. But still, there are many things in life you can’t foresee.When I started a new habit or project, I was motivated and ready to do whatever it took. But I didn’t have the patience. I started my first <a href="https://medium.com/@cosminangheluta">blog on Medium </a>and wrote for three months. But then, I gave up because I didn’t feel good enough.

Dealing with Failures (1)

I build a running habit for six months. But then, I had to stop for a week and never started over.Every time I failed, it was heartbreaking. I felt like I was useless. And all my trauma and blaming issues caused by the end of the relationships came to the surface. So, I had to <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/7-simple-steps-to-set-life-goals">learn how to deal with failure</a>.

Dealing with Failures (2)

Grit was a lucky find.I bought and downloaded it on my Kobo months earlier. But then, I forgot about it. And one day, I found it in my library.I still remember empathizing with the author and her relationship with her father. I lived the same things. And only lately, I’ve been building a relationship with my dad.He also never thought I could make it as a writer. And every time I failed, those memories came back to bite me. But Grit taught me that <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/building-grit-how-to-fight-life-challenges">skill is more important than talent </a>.

3 — Grit by Angela Duckworth (1)

Talented people usually expect to win. And when they don’t, they give up. On the contrary, failing becomes normal if you learn to overcome it many times.

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Grit has two components: passion and perseverance. So, you will succeed if you commit to passionate work and never give up.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">You can build passion only if you enjoy the things you do. You have to use a childish approach towards those activities you like and look at them with curiosity.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Goals must be challenging. Otherwise, you won’t learn anything new. And you will get bored to keep going. But challenges also imply failures. And you have to learn to get over them.</li></ul>

<a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/how-do-i-stop-feeling-lonely">When you feel alone</a>, making new friends is challenging. Or, at least, that’s what happened to me.I was needy. I wanted to make contact desperately. And I didn’t want to be alone anymore.I had two good friends, but we never hung out that often. And I never asked them because I was afraid to lose them too. Yet, I had a few opportunities to connect with somebody new. But I didn’t know what to say.

The Friendship Challenge (1)

There wasn’t anything in my life worth a story. Or, at least, that’s what I thought. So, every time I was with someone, I would panic. I would <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/3-simple-rules-to-boost-your-storytelling">say something stupid </a>or uninteresting. They would eventually leave. And I would get back to my solitude.Then, I read Models by Mark Manson.

The Friendship Challenge (2)

Guys would do anything to get laid — it’s not a generalization.The absence of friends was painful. But the lack of an interesting conversation with a woman in six months was worse.I had many opportunities — surprisingly, I never missed those. But I didn’t know what to say. I froze even in front of women who clearly stated their interest.

4 — Models by Mark Manson (1)

I wanted to <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/5-storytelling-mistakes">become a better communicator</a>. I wanted to become a more interesting person. And that’s what Models did for me — it gave me the blueprint to change my personality.I don’t know if introverts and extroverts can switch and how often it happens. But from the shy guy in the corner of the room, I became the shining star in the middle of the dance floor. And it was amazing. One of the achievements I am most proud of.

4 — Models by Mark Manson (2)

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">People empathize with your vulnerability. So, instead of trying to hide your flaws, show them to anyone. They will appreciate your honesty and feel you are more authentic.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Find your unique style. Don’t fall for trends or branded products — they represent a lack of creativity.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Polarize people with your behavior and words. Don’t be afraid to behave and say what you think. A reaction is always better than indifference.</li></ul>

It took me a year to fix my communication. But once I did it, there was only one thing left I always wanted to try — personal finance.Everybody wishes to become rich. But it becomes necessary when you live half of your life in poverty. And it is so hardcoded in your brain that you can’t even spend a cent without calculating how much you worked for it.My parents sacrificed their friends and families to come here in Italy. They wished to give me and my sister better opportunities. And they succeeded — we both have good jobs. But the fear of getting back to poverty never gets away.

How To Get Rich

I read many books on personal finance and investing. But The Psychology of Money will always be my favorite because it explains how humans think about money. Before getting my first job, I read a few things about investing. And I knew the more I waited, the longer it would take me to multiply my net worth. So, as I got my first job in 2019, I invested almost all of my money in an aggressive wallet.But I made a mistake.

5 — The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (1)

A few months later, COVID happened. The markets were crushed. And my wallet reached a minimum of -15%. It was painful to see all my money losing value every day. But thanks to The Psychology of Money , I resisted. And five years later, the trend inverted, and my wallet reached +17%.

5 — The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (2)

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">All of us have the potential to get richer. But we have to keep our emotions under control and follow a cold investing strategy even if it doesn’t pay off immediately.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Anyone can start saving money with the right mindset. But not everybody wants to do it.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">History can only teach you what happened in the past. In finance, history is rarely an indicator of future success or failure.</li></ul>

It all started on a rainy day and a delayed train - that’s when I realized I was stuck, with no friends, and completely alone.But being alone can be an opportunity if you decide to use it. So don’t worry if you are living in the same situation.The first step is acknowledgment. Then comes personal growth. And finally, you will thrive. But you have to start somewhere.So, this month, I challenge you to read one of the books I suggested and apply its lessons in your life. Track your progress and see how it goes.[DOWNLOAD THE <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/p/you-only-need-to-read-5-books">FREE INFOGRAPHIC HERE</a>]

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Spread the word! Share <a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/">The Challenge</a> with friends and family.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><a href="https://cosmopolitanmindset.substack.com/subscribe">Subscribe today</a> to support the ongoing creation of this content.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Want more? Explore my other work at <a href="https://www.cosmopolitanmindset.com/">Cosmopolitan Mindset</a>.</li></ul>

Next Steps

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