On self-improvement

Remember that you have to walk away from the grindstone. The purpose of grinding a knife or sword or any tool is to make it better, more efficient, more suitable for use. Grinding alone is not a purpose. And of course a period of use will dull the blade again, inviting another cycle of grinding, using and dulling.

Have you sharpened the blade evenly? Or is it pockmarked with sharp and dull spots? Have you ground it away to a bare nub?

Just as with grinding into dust, constant use can erode a body just the same. The friction of life builds up heat and will wear out a blade.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between sharpening and use.

Self-improvement practices can be a grind — study, exercise, meditation, ice baths — any number of pursuits to become sharper, more efficient. The goal of these practices isn’t solely to become a better human for oneself. It is to become a better human for all by putting the sharpened tool into use.

If you are stuck in a cycle of perpetual self-improvement, stuck in the grinding phase, step away from the grindstone. Try it out, whatever that thing may be. Apply the practice.

At some point, you will be sharp enough. You will be good enough.