Summary: I think there’s a beauty in seeking discomfort. It’s only when we do something that we don’t want to do that we grow as people. If we marinate in comfort, we become stagnant as human beings.

I think what was really interesting about being radically open-minded is that you also need to be comfortable with discomfort. But how?

You have to callous your mind by doing weird shit that you’ll get judged for.

I applied for the Startmate Student Fellowship (I was the youngest ever fellow, at a university student program with a 20% acceptance rate) and landed an internship at Next Chapter because I didn’t worry about what other people thought about me and shooting my shot.

Life is single player. You’ll learn confidence by getting out of your comfort zone.

Seek delayed gratification and reject cheap dopamine. Don’t indulge in mindlessly scrolling social media, playing the wrong sorts of games, egregious amounts of fast food and getting addicted to porn. Instead, focus on personal growth like fitness, learning new skills, setting your own personal goals, finding your own motivations to pursue those goals and chasing after them with a burning passion.

Social anxiety swallowed me up and spit me out as a kid - until I realised that no one really cares about you, which is a good and bad thing depending on the way you look at it. That being said, be the first to volunteer, to put your hand up for leadership opportunities, never let an opportunity pass by without real consideration, and send that cold message!

Honestly, conquering your fears over the simple things in life can carry the most meaning and satisfaction for you. I used to dab (yes, in 2023!), do Fortnite dances and pushups in the middle of the street or before going class and dap up teachers because I knew that it a) was harmless, b) washed myself with discomfort and embarrassment and c) showed that no one cares about you. Plus, it gave my mates a laugh, so I ask you this: Why not spread some positivity in the world?

Happiness is learned.