It's natural for us to chasing quick results in life, but sometimes things don't go as wished, no matter how much effort we put in. Waiting is a natural aspect of life, and we must learn to take our time and reflect. For example, boiling water requires time to reach boiling point, and cooking food requires time to cook properly.

We can’t read all the books piled on our desks. We should focus on learning at a steady pace rather than racing to count how many books we read. It's rather more important to evaluate how much we've learned and change our perspective. 

Everything in life takes time, and it's important to be present and enjoy every moment. We must learn to appreciate the art of slowing down and not rush through things. Taking our time helps us to experience and enjoy every moment of life and make the most of our time.

​​We want to share some fun facts when talking about temperature. ​

Human's Temperature
For a typical adult human, the body temperature can be anywhere from 97 F (36.1°C) to 99 F (37.2°C). Babies and children have a little higher range: 97.9 (36.6°C) F to 100.4 F (38°C).

Animal's Temperature 
Hummingbird has the highest body temperature, i.e., 107°(41.7°C). Elephants and whales belong to mammals that have body temperature ranging from 97° (36.1°C) to 103° (39.4°C). Monkeys are closely related to human body temperatures going from 98.6° to 103.1°. Snake can't adjust his temperature. 

Earth Temperature 
The average temperature on the earth's surface is about 16°C, but in the earth's core, the temperature is 350 times this temperature. Scientists estimate that the temperature is as high as 5600~6000°C, which is slightly higher than the sun's surface (5600°C).

Bear's Temperature during Hibernation 
In the hibernation of bears, their body temperature did not drop much, but it was a little lower than usual. Breathing decreased from six to ten breaths per minute to about once (-6x), and heart rate dropped from about 50 beats per minute to about 15 beats per minute (-1/3). Its metabolism level has also declined to one-fourth of its usual activity. They have not eaten or drank during these few months but just slept and occasionally turned over to adjust their sleeping posture.

It is crucial to understand that effort does not necessarily equal progress. Let me provide you with some examples.

When we read books, if we do not have an open mind, we tend to only read what we want to believe. This behavior is known as confirmation bias, which means that no matter how many books we read, we still hold on to our original opinions and try to reinforce them. This kind of reading doesn't lead to learning and personal growth.

In the book, "The Mythical Man-Month," an interesting example is given: it takes a woman nine months to give birth to a child. However, if you give nine women the task, you cannot reduce the time it takes to get something done. It takes time, and no extra effort can change that. 

In project management, we call this the critical path. We have a critical path to tracking concrete progress from start to finish. However, not all effort contributes to the critical path. To make real progress, we must focus on what matters rather than just how much time and effort we spend.

Life presents us with numerous challenges and opportunities, and how we navigate through them defines our journey. In the animal kingdom, we can observe different approaches when facing adversity. A kitten relies on being picked up by its mother, while a monkey takes charge of its safety by holding onto its mother's back.[1] This simple analogy reflects a fundamental choice we often encounter – whether waiting to be picked or actively picking ourselves.

The notion of being picked can be equated with a rescue. Imagine a college application season where students eagerly prepare essays and profiles, hoping to be chosen by their dream schools. In this scenario, they have little control over the selection process, possibly leaving them vulnerable and helpless. The outcome is in someone else's hands, and the fear of rejection looms overhead. This pattern can extend to various aspects of life, where we depend on others' approval or decisions, limiting our growth and self-discovery.

Contrastingly, picking oneself requires courage, self-esteem, and a belief in one's capabilities. It's about taking the driving seat in our lives, being proactive, and embracing responsibility for our choices. Picking ourselves means breaking free from the invisible handcuffs society tries to place on us, freeing ourselves from the guilt of not conforming to their expectations.

Choosing the self-driven path is challenging. It demands resilience in the face of criticism and the courage to accept our weaknesses while remaining dedicated to pursuing our passions. We open ourselves to opportunities and potential growth by breaking free from the status quo. Picking ourselves allows us to be the masters of our fate, no longer bound by the constraints set by others.

In a world where people may try to discourage us, we must stay steadfast in our goals and visions. Embracing failure as a stepping stone toward success is a crucial aspect of picking ourselves. We gain authority over our lives, learning valuable lessons from our experiences, even if they come at a cost. And while some may withhold permission or opportunities, picking ourselves means acknowledging that we can shape our destinies.

External validation can sometimes feel like a lifeline, but it can also become a crutch that inhibits our growth. We must learn to rely on our inner compass, passions, and ambitions. Picking ourselves asserts our autonomy, leading our lives with purpose and determination.The journey of picking ourselves has its challenges. Negative feedback, setbacks, and uncertainties will undoubtedly emerge. However, we are better equipped to navigate the road ahead by acknowledging these challenges and remaining resilient.

So, how do we embark on this self-driven journey? Start by identifying your passions, values, and ambitions. Set clear goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, and never be afraid to ask for help or advice. Remember that picking ourselves is not an act of arrogance but an act of self-love and belief in your potential.

The story of the kitten and the monkey reminds us that we can choose how we approach life's challenges. While being picked may offer a sense of security, choosing ourselves empowers us to take charge of our destinies, seize the opportunities ahead,  and shape our paths. After all, if no one else picks you, dare to pick yourself.