Celebrating 100 Editions: Persistence, Reflection, and Gratitude!

The number 100 often signifies a significant milestone, whether saying, “I’ve told you 100 times!” or celebrating 100 days of something. But let’s think deeper: When was the last time you did something for the first time? And when was the last time you did something for the 100th time?

The Power of Persistence

I started "The Monday Tip" in September 2013 as a way to capture and share my weekly learnings, forcing myself to be consistent. Over time, this evolved into a rewarding project, not just for me but also for many others.

They shared an example from a great book by Jim Collins (Great By Choice) that illustrates the importance of consistency through the story of two teams racing to the South Pole. One team, led by Roald Amundsen, marched 15-20 miles daily, regardless of conditions, and successfully reached their goal. The other team, led by Robert Falcon Scott, marched inconsistently, pushing hard on good days and resting on bad ones, ultimately leading to their demise. Similarly, successful companies achieve steady, consistent growth by sticking to their performance markers regardless of external circumstances.

"Amateurs practice until they get it right; professionals practice until they can't get it wrong."

Consistent, small efforts accumulate into significant achievements. This principle is evident in my journey with this newsletter and its cumulative impact over 100 editions.

Similarly, when we combine consistency with persistence, we can get rewarded in ways we didn't think we would. I believe that the best example that shares this is James Clear's Atomic Habits when he speaks about the aggregation of marginal gains illustrated below:

Can you imagine you could be 30 times better if you improve by 1% daily for 365 days? But also, the opposite is significant. You could become less than 97% of the person you were if you consistently got worse by 1% every day for 365 days, and this is how depression can get into you, which leads us to the second reflection.

The Importance of Taking Breaks

After significant milestones, taking breaks to rest, recharge, and reflect is crucial. Whether after a great Quarter, a Great Academic Achievement, or even simply after a significant personal "headache," the benefits are tremendous. Regular breaks improve mental health, creativity, and overall productivity. They are essential for maintaining long-term performance and avoiding burnout.

Personal Note: I’ll be taking some time off this month to do just that; I've had a tough year on many fronts and need a PAUSE. This pause will help me gain new perspectives and come back with renewed energy and ideas.

Gratitude

If there is anything I have learned to maintain throughout the years, no matter what, it is gratitude. It is a powerful practice that enhances well-being and happiness, and regardless of how my day/week/month is going, I find at least 100 reasons to be grateful every day, which keeps me grounded and positive. I would like you to reflect on your reasons for gratitude. This simple practice can have a profound impact on your life and outlook.

Conclusion: Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead!

As we celebrate this milestone, persistence, taking breaks, and gratitude are key themes. Therefore, I would like to say a big Thank You. I’m deeply grateful to all of you for your support and engagement over these 100 editions. I’m excited about the future and the milestones yet to come. Let’s continue this journey together, one step at a time.

Have a wonderful Week,

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