Gifts for failures, humbleness for successes

Sun 6th, April 2025

Ciao, Happy Sunday Evening!

This week, I've been thinking about something that's essential for anyone striving towards a goal, whether it's mastering a new skill, launching a project, or even navigating the complexities of life: how we respond to setbacks and how we carry our successes.

Trying is inherently hard. Think about putting yourself out there – playing in a tournament, facing a panel of interviewers, taking the leap to change countries, or even just asking someone out on a date.

The challenge isn't just about the big day itself(A);it's about the consistent effort you put in beforehand(B), the mental fortitude required to show up when it matters most, and the strength you need to pick yourself up after rejections and failures(C).And perhaps the most challenging part of all is simply to keep trying(D).

It strikes me that this process is remarkably similar to investing in the stock market. When you invest in a company or a broader market, there's always a chance of significant success, but equally, there's a real possibility of experiencing losses and downturns.

As we discussed in our previous newsletter, the most crucial element is to not give up on your long-term strategy. It's about being steady, reiterating your approach when needed, updating your knowledge, and having the courage to retry. You might need to adjust some variables along the way, but the fundamental principle remains: don't abandon your efforts.

Success and wealth aren't solely about being intelligent or having good education(1). They are more about a powerful combination of those factors, our own psychology(2), and yes, even a degree of luck(3).

Let's focus on psychology (2).How do you maintain that determination when, after the 7th attempt, having poured in everything you have, things still don't work out?How do you avoid giving up when you've invested so much time, energy, and money, yet your desired outcome remains elusive?

Gift something to yourself.

This week, it occurred to me what fuels my own willingness to put myself in challenging situations, to tackle goals that feel bigger than me, and to keep trying despite the potential for ego-bruising failures. I had a vivid recollection of my mom's thoughtful gesture: whenever I was working towards something and faced setbacks, she would often gift me something small.

And that's it. The concept is surprisingly simple. Over time, we can learn to consciously associate our moments of failure with a small, positive reinforcement.

Whether it's offering yourself a kind word of appreciation for the effort you put in, treating yourself to a well-deserved coffee, acknowledging even the smallest step forward you've taken, indulging in a new book, or enjoying a comforting dinner with friends – whatever resonates with you, make a deliberate effort to link those challenging moments with something positive.

Nothing prevents a situation that feels disheartening in the short term from transforming into something incredibly rewarding tomorrow. The key differentiator often lies in your attitude. You are the only person that can decide for you what you can or you can't do.

Now, let's consider the other side of the coin: success. As Morgan Housel often highlights, luck and risk are two sides of the same coin. If you succeed in your endeavors, it's incredibly important to celebrate those wins and acknowledge your hard work and skills.

However, it's equally crucial to remain humble. Success is rarely solely the result of our own brilliance and effort; external factors and a degree of good fortune often play a significant role. Humility after success allows us to continue growing and to better navigate future challenges, understanding that the winds of fortune can shift.

Coffevesting ☕️

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Just focus on reading this article.

Why You Should Ignore Everything Going On in the Market Right Now

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