Taking Things Personally

I've got a huge backlog of articles I want to read, and don't get me started on the dozens of books that pile up either on my desk or my Kindle. However, one by one I am getting there. In the next few weeks, I'll hopefully find the time to share some of the wisdom I encounter with you.

The first bit is from the blog FounderZen.com. It's a small personal blog, but the few posts are well worth reading. Besides, Kamal, the guy behind it, is a very interesting person. Especially if you think you are getting old, then have a look at what this guy look like at 40.

In a post in which he reflects on his 40th birthday, I came across this gem:

Taking things personally

Biggest source of pain, of wasted time and effort I can think of.  Whatever one does, it matches their version of reality – and in their reality, they’re the good one.  In my mind, I’m the primary actor, everyone else the cast.  The entire Universe is filtered through me.  But the same goes for everyone.  I’m a cast member in their play.  How can I take anything personally?  Costanza was right – “It’s not you, it’s me!”

Let's read this again to let it sink in:

In my mind, I’m the primary actor, everyone else the cast.  The entire Universe is filtered through me.  But the same goes for everyone.  I’m a cast member in their play.

I found this part to be gripping.