Today’s quote by the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Alsatian polymath, theologian, organist, musicologist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician, Albert Schweitzer reflects a profound perspective on the relationship between success and happiness. Schweitzer suggests that achieving success in the conventional sense, like becoming wealthy, famous or having high social status, does not guarantee genuine happiness. People pursue success with the belief that it will bring them happiness, but often, they find that material accomplishments alone don’t lead to lasting fulfilment. Instead, true success comes from finding happiness and contentment in what one does and how one lives their life. When one are genuinely happy, they tend to be more motivated, enthusiastic, and energetic, which can lead to increased productivity and effectiveness in their pursuits. When one is passionate about one’s work or the activities they engage in, one is more likely to put in the effort required to excel and this contributes to personal growth and achievement, thus leading to success. Schweitzer’s quote suggests that happiness should be prioritised over the pursuit of conventional success. By finding joy and passion in what one does, one creates a positive cycle where happiness leads to success and, in turn, success enhances one’s happiness even further. It encourages individuals to align their pursuits with their passions, making success a byproduct of their contentment and fulfilment in life.

GG is coming to the end of her summer internship and will have a two-week break before she starts university. She is at the same time excited about this new chapter in her life as well as apprehensive as she will have to do a lot of self-study if she wants to achieve the goals she has set for herself. Please send some positivity her way, if you can. BB is enjoying life until he too, starts a new chapter, with the Singapore Armed Forces.

That’s all from me this week. Sending positivity your way, so keep smiling!

Today’s quote by Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, highlights the importance of passion and enjoyment in achieving excellence in one’s work. Jobs emphasises that to produce exceptional or remarkable work, a certain approach is necessary. He suggests that a fundamental prerequisite for achieving greatness in one’s work is to have a genuine love or passion for what one is doing. So what Steve Jobs is conveying is the idea that when one has a deep passion for their work, it becomes much easier to devote oneself to it wholeheartedly. This passion fuels their motivation, perseverance, and dedication, which are essential ingredients for producing outstanding results. When one truly enjoys what they do, work becomes more than just a means to an end — it becomes a fulfilling and meaningful pursuit in itself. Food for thought, right?

This week was an extension of the previous one where BB was busy doing what he enjoys doing best, spending time with family and friends and gaming before he has to stop pretty much everything for the next two odd years. GG had her new university orientation for an experiential project which she has to do with students from different faculties and departments earlier this week and she was exhausted at the end of each but is also excited to start school again. As for me, I kept myself busy with my writing and looking after my family.

That’s all from me this week. Take care, stay safe and stay positive!

American bestselling author, motivational speaker and sales trainer Zig Ziglar is credited with today’s quote. Ziglar’s teachings emphasised the importance of a positive mindset, goal setting, continuous learning, and taking action and believed that success was not merely a result of external factors but was influenced by one’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions. In this quote, Ziglar conveys the idea that having a vision or a dream is the first step towards achieving it. The quote emphasises the power of belief, determination, and the capacity of individuals to turn their aspirations into reality. He suggests that the ability to conceive an idea or a goal in one’s mind is essential. Dreams serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, fueling the desire to accomplish something meaningful. However, the quote’s true essence lies in the second part, and here Ziglar implies that dreams alone are not enough; they must be followed by action and effort. With dedication, hard work, perseverance, and a belief in oneself, individuals have the potential to transform their dreams into tangible accomplishments.

This month, I decided to walk a minimum of 10 km every day, and I am happy to announce that I achieved it! I reached my home in Mumbai at the beginning of the month, and by the end of the month, I was less than 50 km from the town of Kolhapur in Maharashtra and about 60 km from the border between Maharashtra and Karnataka. My stats for the month include more than half a million in the number of steps I took and more than 300 km covered during the month

I read only four books this month, but they were fairly long books, so no complaints there. At the halfway point in the year, I am at almost 80% of my reading goal for the year. And if there are no major disruptions, I should not only meet the goal but exceed them.

GG is still working and thriving there. As she does more internships, she will be able to figure out exactly what she wants to do. BB is enjoying himself at home, given that he will not be enlisting anytime soon. We came to know that he will be enlisting only in October.

That’s all from me this week. Take care and see you soon!

Norman Vincent Peale is the author of our quote for today. An influential American minister, author, and speaker, Norman Vincent Peale is best known for his work in the field of positive thinking and self-improvement. He authored the internationally acclaimed book The Power of Positive Thinking, which has sold millions of copies worldwide. Peale’s teachings emphasised the importance of faith, optimism, and the power of the mind in achieving personal and professional success. This quote suggests that our thoughts and mindset play a significant role in shaping our perception of the world and ultimately influencing our experiences and outcomes. Peale believed that by consciously altering our thoughts and adopting a positive perspective, we have the power to transform our lives and the world around us. If we consistently entertain negative thoughts and focus on limitations, we may find ourselves trapped in a cycle of negativity that affects our overall well-being and limits our potential. On the other hand, by consciously choosing to think positively and embracing an optimistic outlook, we can cultivate a mindset that empowers us to overcome challenges, seek opportunities, and create a more positive reality.

Life continues even when it seems as if nothing remarkable has occurred between last week and this week. In seemingly uneventful moments, routines persist, relationships evolve subtly, and personal growth unfolds quietly. While there was nothing of note that happened this week, life continues to shape us through small victories, moments of reflection, and the incremental progress we make each day. In the absence of notable occurrences, it is the continuity of life’s rhythm that reminds us of its inherent beauty and the potential for growth in even the seemingly ordinary moments.

And that’s all that is there from me this week. Take care and see you next week.