Expectations and disappointments stem from the same root. External factors do not separate expectations from disappointments; rather, internal factors do. We can’t easily stop losing if we lose a little because expectations remain. Moreover, we’re not satisfied with small profits; we want more. In other words, greed is the root of both expectations and disappointments. It’s wrong to say that you’re disappointed because you expect it. Since they share the same root, expectations and disappointments only intersect depending on the situation. With a big loss, you lose patience, and with a big profit, you feel happy only then. Large gains or losses are hard to sustain, but small, everyday victories are easier to maintain because our brains are wired that way. Big negative events often result from a series of small bad outcomes, while big happiness comes from accumulating small joys. Our life is about continuously pushing forward with small but steady steps. Repeating small decisions can le...
Knowing and doing are two very different things. Zhuge Liang, an incomparable genius who was a Chinese prime minister of the Three Kingdoms, knew the deep secret of nature. However, he suffered a great defeat in the most important battle because he wrongly appointed Ma Su as his subordinate general, even though he knew him well and had received a warning about his appointment from the late king. Personnel management is the most difficult thing in the world, and to manage it well is the key to success. - Joseph's "just my thoughts"