Hello my people, and welcome back to Autonomous!
Each Sunday, I break down 1 idea to help you achieve a little more freedom in online business and life.
But first, I share a recent photo from my camera roll, and wrap it up with a quote I've been contemplating.
From a hike behind my house near SF with my two dogs, Kobe and Beau (both black labs). I've been hiking a ton recently. Partly because I love hiking, and partly because I'm doing a January 10K steps/day challenge with some Twitter friends (shoutout Jack, Tyler, and Juan).
Embrace the Unknown
One of my favorite YouTube videos of all time is an Alan Watts lecture.
It's called "The Dream of Life." And in it, Watts explores an enlightening thought exercise.
If you could dream up anything you ever wanted in life:
Private chef
Shredded physique
All the money in the world
The most beautiful spouse
Admiration from the masses
...you would pick that fantasy 10 times out of 10, right?
After all, these are the goals most people strive to achieve throughout their lifetimes.
But here's what you haven't considered:
If you actually lived a life of such abundance...
Where you could wave a wand and get whatever you want…
Whenever you wanted it...
Life would lose its meaning.
You would feel empty inside since there'd be nothing left to pursue.
And without any more mountains to climb, you'd be hopelessly lost.
Because you would be missing out on the entire purpose of life: the unknown.
It's the challenges, excitement, and surprises that come along with not knowing how things will play out that make life such a fulfilling adventure.
The mystery makes it worth living.
So, whatever mountain you're currently climbing...
Whether it's building your business, your physique, or your relationships...
Understand this: the quest is more glorious than the success.
You want everything now, but that's what the rest of your life is for.
The journey really is the destination.
The gods envy us. They envy us because we're mortal, because any moment may be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we're doomed.
Until next time...
Matt Mic