Everyone wants to change the world, but no one wants to change himself.

This was written by Leo Tolstoy in reference to people's proclivity to point out at the world and project blame,

rather than to point in at themselves and ask, why? What can I do? How can I be better? Which, when you think about it

is basically a shark forfeiting its bite, right, or a bird giving up its wings, our personal

agency is without a doubt our superpower. Yet, from my vantage point

sometimes feels like we're walking away from that superpower,

a tiny step at a time.

Little by little, day by day, we're allowing greatness to fade

while bringing about the death of the hero.

And well, that's a pretty big claim.

What could I possibly mean by this?

It's funny when people ask me what I'm most proud of.

My mind pretty quickly goes to my work, the brand that I've dedicated the last almost

decade to building. But I don't think that's right. I think it's a product of my answer, but it's

not my answer. What I'm most proud of is shipping away at the monster that is the victim mentality.

You know, my default when things went wrong for so long was to feel bad for myself.

It was easier to be the victim and sulk than it was to keep taking the hits.

It's like a cheat code.

When you can just bask in your sorrow and hate the world, you don't have to do anything.

It's like a giant ibuprofen for the discomfort that is life.

But it relieves this symptom, not the cause.

And to understand to overcome this worldview is like being gifted with a new pair of eyes.

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