Unexpected Tasks

Hello from Medellin

In a couple of days, I leave for my next adventure, and many small, boring tasks I really didn’t want to do need to be completed for it to happen.

I won’t go into detail, but our choices often come with tasks we didn’t see coming. And no matter how much we don’t want to do said tasks, if I want to go on the adventure, those tasks have to be done.

For example, you say you want to become a doctor, then realize all the studying ahead, and suddenly you’re second-guessing yourself.

In those moments, all I thought was: “This too shall pass.”

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📚Books I read and recommendations

One of the books I read this week was Wanting by Luke Burgis. This book talks about Mimetic Desire, the idea that everything we want and desire doesn’t come from ourselves, but instead we learn it from the people around us. It’s when you want something because someone else wants it.

Before reading this book, I didn't think someone could write a book on desire. A YouTube video is enough, right? I was wrong. This book is incredible. I consider it a must-read, especially now that we've never been exposed to this many mimetic models (A mimetic model is someone you unconsciously imitate) like we have today. This book will help you become more conscious of how mimetic desire is affecting your life.

It follows the same formula as most self-help books, which some people don’t like, but I didn’t have a problem with it:
1. Introduction to the concept/idea
2. Story
3. Touches back on the concept again
4. Repeat

You will find many flaws if you're reading it to critique. But if you look beyond that and focus on the concept, then this is a great book.

On Writing by Stephen King was my second read of the week, and I thought it was excellent. As it says in the title, it’s a book about how to write. I loved the conversational tone and the many helpful lessons (for example, why you shouldn’t use passive verbs and adverbs) that are shared throughout the book. It’s one of those books that had me hooked and unable to put down. If you are a writer or want to get into writing, I highly recommend this book.

💬 Thought-Provoking Quote

"If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. Read a lot, write a lot is the great commandment." - Stephen King, On Writing

“Girard discovered that most of what we desire is mimetic (mi-met-ik) or imitative, not intrinsic. Humans learn—through imitation—to want the same things other people want, just as they learn how to speak the same language and play by the same cultural rules. Imitation plays a far more pervasive role in our society than anyone had ever openly acknowledged.”

“Mimetic theory isn’t like learning some impersonal law of physics, which you can study from a distance. It means learning something new about your own past that explains how your identity has been shaped and why certain people and things have exerted more influence over you than others. It means coming to grips with a force that permeates human relationships—relationships which you are, at this moment, involved in. You can never be a neutral observer of mimetic desire".”

- Luke Burgis, Wanting

🎙️Podcast Episode

I recently found this great podcast that does guided yoga classes. The directions and cues are clear, and the sequences are simple. If you want to get into Yoga, then this is a great choice.

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see you next sunday!