Scattered Thoughts

 I have less than 8 minutes to write this post. My internet will go out at 10pm sharp.

I've been thinking a bit about the idea of storytelling as a means of representing oneself and "simulating", as Peterson puts it, the outcomes of different scenarios that one may try. One example that jumps out at me is Levin from Anna Karenina, whose name is derived from the author Tolstoy's first name Leo.

Compared to last year, I think one change in my planning habits is that I've become more conservative with regard to my willingness to take on new commitments. About a year ago, I took on many responsibilities (some more compelling than others) and thought I could shoulder them all. But I don't think I could pay attention to each responsibility adequately.

To illustrate my point, I'll compare my lifestyle during summertime and during the schoolyear. In both times of year, I have work to finish. But it's no doubt that work that presents itself during the schoolyear is much more compelling and weighty than self-assigned summer work. Whereas during the summer, I often feel proud of myself after accomplishing less or working fewer hours during the day, I feel less frequently exuberant and optimistic the schoolyear and more weighed down by work. But looking back at my logs, I think that despite my greater sense of accomplishment during the summer, I actually get more work done during the schoolyear.