What’s the opposite of a ‘fragile’ box?
If you said an ‘unbreakable’ box, you’re being sincere. But you’re sincerely wrong.
Why? Well, that’s like saying that the opposite of ‘positive’ is ‘neutral.’ That’s not true, is it?
So, the opposite of ‘fragile’ is not ‘unbreakable’, but rather, ‘antifragile.’
An antifragile system is one that gains order from disorder and chaos. The more it’s kicked around, the more the system becomes better and stronger in such unpalatable conditions. Just like the way the unattractive, black graphite is changed to the beautiful, transparent diamond — after passing through heat and pressure.
Let me give you an example:
I once worked in an organization where I had to conduct a survey in several underdeveloped communities. The people were used to being given hand-me-downs by the government, and they were hostile to me when I couldn’t give them any incentive. This was further compounded by my shy disposition.
But guess what?!
The more I put myself in that uncomfortable and awkward situation, the more I became inure to it, the more I didn’t give a care about what they thought and how they reacted to me. And as a result, I did my survey and got enthusiastic responses from the hitherto hostile hinterland dwellers.
That’s because I started becoming antifragile!
The pressure was there. But I realized that I had a choice to be bitter or better. I chose the latter and the rest is history.
Being antifragile is being alive. You should crave for it. It’s like going to the gym. If you don’t feel discomfort, you won’t make progress. And the moment you start feeling comfortable, you can be certain that you’ve arrested your muscle growth for the moment.
It’s ironic that people apply antifragility in their workouts, but totally ignore it in their day-to-day living.
You want to start that business, but you’re waiting for the next solar eclipse? Stop deceiving yourself.
Even the Bible says, ‘NOW faith IS…’
You need to act NOW because faith is not for the future!
Faith is for NOW!
And, don’t get it twisted, every moment for the rest of your life is a NOW.
So, what are you waiting for?
Start that business!
Start writing that book!
Start taking those speaking engagements!
It won’t be comfortable; it won’t be easy; but remember, every step you take towards antifragility would make you a better person than what you are now.
SELAH.
Originally posted on Facebook, August 2016.