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"It's hard to do a really good job on anything you don't think about in the shower."

Paul Graham
Paul Graham Programmer, Venture Capitalist, Essayist
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Quote meaning
When you often find yourself reflecting on something in the shower, it means it's truly important to you. The shower is a place where our minds wander freely, without distractions. If a project or idea occupies your mind even during this downtime, it shows you're deeply invested in it. It’s hard to excel at anything if it doesn't captivate you enough to think about it during these moments.

Think back to the early 2000s when Steve Jobs was at the height of his career with Apple. He was known for being intensely passionate about his work. Many who knew him said he was constantly thinking about how to innovate and improve, often pondering these ideas during his personal time. This relentless dedication to his work, even outside office hours, was a major reason behind Apple's success. It wasn't just a job for him—it was a passion.

Now, let's look at a real-life example. Imagine Sarah, a dedicated teacher who wants to make learning fun for her students. She often finds herself thinking about new teaching methods and lesson plans while in the shower. One day, she comes up with an idea to turn a history lesson into an interactive game. She spends additional time researching and preparing for it because she's genuinely enthusiastic about making it work. The result? Her students are more engaged and excited about learning than ever before. Sarah's shower thoughts led to a brilliant idea that transformed her classroom environment.

How can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying what you truly care about. Pay attention to the thoughts that naturally come to you during those quiet moments—like in the shower, while jogging, or just before you fall asleep. These are the ideas and projects that you should focus on. When you're genuinely interested in something, your brain will keep working on it subconsciously. Use this to your advantage. Let your passion guide you, and don't ignore those moments of inspiration.

To make this concept more relatable, let’s consider a scenario. Picture yourself as an aspiring writer. You've dabbled in various genres and styles, but nothing has really clicked. One morning, you're taking a shower and can't stop thinking about a story idea that popped into your head the night before. It's about a character who finds a magical book that transports them to different worlds. You feel a rush of excitement just thinking about the possibilities. That’s your spark. You decide to start writing this story, and because it’s something you’re excited about, you find yourself coming back to it again and again. You’re jotting down notes during lunch breaks, and even dreaming up plot twists. Eventually, this idea turns into your first novel.

By focusing on what naturally captivates your mind, you're more likely to produce work that’s not only excellent but also fulfilling. It's about finding that sweet spot where your interests and work intersect. That’s where the magic happens. So, next time you're in the shower and can’t stop thinking about that one idea, take it seriously. It might just be the key to your next big success.
Related tags
Creativity Focus Inspiration Mindfulness Motivation Personal reflection Productivity Thinking Work ethic
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