"永远不要假装你没有的东西不值得拥有。"

This quote gets to the heart of human nature and our tendency to shield ourselves from disappointment. It's tempting, right? When we don’t get something we want, we convince ourselves that it wasn’t valuable in the first place. But what are we really doing? We’re lying to ourselves. Let's break it down.

The core idea here is that it’s a mistake to dismiss the worth of things just because we don’t possess them. By pretending that what we can't have isn't important, we’re not only fooling ourselves, but we’re also missing out on recognizing true value and potentially motivating ourselves to strive for those things.

Now, let’s dive into a bit of historical context. This idea isn't new. Think back to Aesop's fable of "The Fox and the Grapes." In the story, a fox tries to reach some grapes hanging high on a vine. After failing to get them, he walks away, claiming that the grapes were probably sour anyway. Aesop was illustrating this very human habit of dismissing what we cannot achieve as unimportant or undesirable.

Let’s talk real-life. Imagine you’ve been working at your job for a few years, and a promotion comes up. You apply, but the job goes to someone else. It’s a bummer, right? Instead of acknowledging how much you wanted that promotion, you tell yourself that the new role would have been too stressful or that extra money isn’t a big deal. But deep down, you know that’s not true. That job could have been a significant career step, offering new challenges, growth, and yes—more money, which could improve your quality of life.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by being honest with yourself. If there’s something you want, acknowledge its value, regardless of whether you currently have it. This doesn't mean wallowing in self-pity, but rather recognizing your desires and setting realistic goals. If you miss out on something, allow yourself to feel disappointed. Then, analyze why you wanted it in the first place and figure out what steps can get you closer next time.

Let’s switch to a relatable scenario. Picture this: You and your best friend are both single. Your friend starts dating someone fantastic—charming, kind, and all those good things. You can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. In an effort to soothe your ego, you think, "Well, relationships are overrated. I’m better off alone." But you know that’s not entirely true. By dismissing what you secretly desire, you’re not protecting yourself; you’re actually blocking yourself from understanding your own wants and needs.

Instead, be candid with yourself. Admit that you’d like a relationship, too. Use that desire as a motivator to put yourself out there. Maybe you join a new social group or try online dating. The key is to embrace your own aspirations without downplaying them just because they’re currently out of reach.

In essence, pretending that things we don’t have aren’t worth having is a defense mechanism. It might protect us in the short term, but it stunts our growth in the long run. Face your desires head-on. Appreciate their value, even if they elude you for now. By doing so, you’re not just being honest with yourself—you’re laying the groundwork for future success and happiness.