Self Help by Samuel Smiles is a book originally published in 1859 and is considered 'the bible of mid-Victorian liberalism'. [source] The writer uses eminent figures of his time to exemplify the virtues of self help.

I read Self-Help to understand the crucial points and aspects of myself I can focus on and continue to improve. This journey of self-improvement is particularly relevant to my financial development and my endeavors in the crypto industry. The book offers timeless principles that align with my goals, helping me navigate external and psychological barriers.

Application and Perseverance ✊

Self-help can be distilled into key characteristics a person should exercise to bring their dreams to life, notably application and perseverance.

1. Application

   • Thinking and coming up with an idea is priceless, but applying that thought into action requires time, effort, and resources.

   • For example, I set a goal to read 52 books a year. While it's a simple thought, it’s challenging to complete. (This is my 24th book I read cover to cover this year. Still half to my goal, but a 100% increase in output considering last year my record was 15 books.) Despite being behind, I continue to persevere, nurturing my mind until it becomes a habit.

2. Perseverance

   • Continuing to apply oneself for a desired result is crucial. Perseverance in the face of challenges is what turns dreams into reality.

Energy and Courage

In the context of crypto, taking the contrarian side of a trade—positioning into an investment or trade that goes against the general sentiment—can be daunting. However, this courage to go against the grain can lead to significant rewards.

Energy and Habit ⚙

Human behavior often boils down to habit. Some individuals form positive habits like honesty and delayed gratification, while others develop short-sighted habits like lying and stealing. These habits exist in our thought processes as well. For instance, if I constantly think I will fail, then by habit, my outcomes will likely lead to failure. This circular logic in the human condition is strange yet it can be powerful once one learns to control and change habits. This is why I jump out of bed every morning declaring "I am a winner!"

Examples of Self-Help Principles in Action

1. Devotion to Art

   • Samuel Smiles uses artists like Ari Scheffer and Benvenuto Cellini to exemplify characters devoted to their passion. Using examples such as these shows the books age, but also shows that our definition of words such as success , devotion, and passion has for the most part not change over the course of history.

2. Success in the Crypto Industry

   • I have transitioned from a wishful dreamer to someone who believes in the power of thinking and acting with courage in the crypto world, aiming for financial freedom. I sincerely tell myself that I will emerge as a winner in the market.

By focusing on these principles, I aim to overcome external and internal barriers to achieving my goals for revolutions starts in the mind before ever on the streets.