Shovel Sand:

Author: @levelsio (https://x.com/levelsio)

  My dad's advice helped me a lot when I was depressed and my life was falling apart 10 years ago

“If you're depressed: go outside, get a big pile of sand and a shovel. Then haul the sand to the other side. Don't sit still but just go do something and take action" So 10 years ago, I did that but digitally, I started my project 12 startups in 12 months, just to get my own type of shovel and start hauling sand and do something Every time I've mentioned my dad's quote I've seen it pop up on random blogs, startup sites and even memes made about it

My Note:

As I feel stressed out, I take-up something as physical activity that helps family as well :-)

For example, I like to cook - but my wife does not encourage me inside kitchen due to the mess I create inside ! Her comment : "Gosh! Kitchen looks like a War room" ; 

So i ask permission for the next best alternative - Cleaning the utensils - 

When you feel stressed out - cleanse the utensils - I tell you - It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience - 

There are two benefits to it - 

One - Due to stress - you press the scrub the harder on the utensil and cleaning comes better! This is the tangible benefit! 

Second important benefit - that is more intangible - The goodwill and trust of your spouse compounds over a period of time :-) 

The key point for success though : is Doing , not Completing! 

Another activity I do , when stressed out is Ironing clothes:

Put on the Ironing board, and the steamer Iron, and do a slow-press - this is the key part: 

Slow-press please ! 

Don't rush into Ironing - In huff-and-puff- moving the iron-box across the length and breadth -  of the shirt and pant or the Kids' Uniform or Spouse's office attire ;

As you do slow-press- you feel a sense of calm! 

Again, In this exercise : the goodwill and trust of your kid and spouse upon you increases! 

Sometimes I do this exercise too seriously  -  that I start ironing the kerchiefs!

I am trying to address this small issue! 

My axiom though is this: If World Leaders start Ironing kerchiefs before a Summit, It will lead to World Peace !!!

Back to Shoveling Sand, The key point again is Doing , not Completing!

Completion is a by-product of Doing! 

DO is within your control!  

Completion may be not!