The following idea, although paraphrased in my own words, draws direct inspiration from Toni Morrison's book "Paradise." This lesson and wisdom found me precisely when I needed it most. “Success is not something you inherently deserve, regardless of the suffering and hard work you have endured. It is not granted simply because you yearn for it. Success can only be earned—through consistent practice and deliberate contemplation. You must learn how to identify and embrace it. Now, here is another aspect that the Stoics understood well, and it complements hard work and our aspiration for success after meticulous practice and thoughtful actions. Much lies beyond our control. Fortune follows its own course, echoing an age-old adage that we cannot guarantee success, but we can merit it.” The former remains beyond our grasp, while the latter is within our reach. Deserving success rests upon us; obtaining it, however, is not assured.
These ideas circled in my mind for an extended period. More recently, I felt a surge of frustration. I've invested substantial time, effort, and dedication, yet why does success elude me? Why does my work not garner the anticipated recognition and traction? As painful as it is, the wisdom expressed in various forms by those who came before me still holds true. I can traverse from east to west; that decision is mine. Yet, whether my efforts are valued or rewarded lies beyond my control. The least I can do is persist in my endeavors, continue devising plans, and retain hope that fortune might smile upon me. This approach trumps the anger I've been harboring.
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