optimistically take unconventional paths

i’ve been really quiet intentionally. after graduating georgia tech it’s been so freeing (tech always has my love though). 

i’ve been enjoying nyc through spontaneous plans, random walks, working in finance, being in an accountability group, reading, and meeting lots of cool, genuine people.

and people’s impression of me is i’m a delusional, spontaneous, impulsive risk taker (it might be accurate lmao). i also get crazy stares for the opportunities i’ve turned away or intentionally don’t pursue even if it’s in my hand. 

(for context, currently working on a trading algorithm with a friend)

it’s hard. as a young person, the fear of failure sits in us whether it’s conscious or subconscious. we witness so many different forms of young success. olympic medalists at 20. founders raising millions of dollars at 23.

we have pent up pressure because our entire lives we were compared relative to one another. class rank. college classes being curved. job interviews. so we compare ourself to the best. we also compare our accomplishments, wealth, and knowledge to others in this race to become the best.

but what does being the best mean?

it means you’re a winner of a status game. 

is it a game that brings personal fulfillment? why play a game with rules defined by society?

after college, you have the choice to not play these status games. you are in full control of your life. even with the responsibilities and commitments you have.

the best version of a person is unstoppable and can break out of anything. getting there isn’t easy, but relies on an infectious, delusional faith in yourself to get what you want, even if the whole world is against you.

the best didn’t focus on playing status games. they became the best versions of themselves. 

and in that journey, the best took extremely unconventional paths while sounding absurd. they believe that they can bend the world to their will. 

unconventional doesn’t just mean dropping out or rejecting offers. unconventional also doesn’t mean being exceptional.

it’s taking the decisions that others fear and never take. 

and it may backfire. but if you are a genuine person doing great work and brutally honest to yourself, it doesn’t matter. you’ll meet people and have opportunities creating unimaginable paths. 

you may end up taking a pay cut or stunted career growth. but you live life without regret and now have paths that can be pursued. 

so be optimistic and stay optimistic in the crazy goals you have. 

life teaches you pragmatism. the world will try to strip you of optimism. 

but your optimism is how you become the best version of yourself.

make that inner kid in you proud :)