The Art of Aiming: Finding Fulfillment in the Process

The Art of Aiming: Finding Fulfillment in the Process

In the pursuit of success, we often become fixated on the end goal, neglecting the significance of the journey itself. However, there is a philosophy, deeply rooted in the Japanese martial art of archery called Kyūdō, that challenges this mindset. In Kyūdō, the aim is more important than the goal, and success is found in the process. This concept is beautifully captured in the book "Zen in the Art of Archery" and serves as a reminder that everything in life is ultimately about aiming.

The master in "Zen in the Art of Archery" encourages his student to let go of the goal and focus on the way he aims. This means paying attention to every detail - from how he holds the bow to the position of his feet and even the way he breathes while releasing the arrow. By immersing himself in the present moment and embracing the process of aiming, the student is able to find true fulfillment.

This idea aligns with the wisdom of Thomas Fuller, an English writer from the 17th century, who stated that a good archer is not known by their arrows, but by their aim. In other words, our success should not be measured solely by the outcomes we achieve, but by the intentions and efforts we put into our pursuits.

Applying this philosophy to our everyday lives, we can learn to shift our focus from end goals to aims. By doing so, we can design a daily life that is fulfilling in itself, regardless of whether we ever reach a hypothetical finish line. Success becomes synonymous with enjoying the process and finding joy in the present moment.

In today's digital age, where information overload is prevalent, the importance of filtering and trusting information has become increasingly significant. Substack, a platform for writers to share their content and monetize their work, recognizes the value of high-quality information and aims to provide a space where readers are willing to pay for it. By taking a 10% cut of subscription revenue, Substack aligns its success with that of its writers.

To increase revenue, Substack focuses on getting writers more income. This can be achieved by increasing the number of readers who pay for a subscription, increasing the average number of subscriptions that paid readers have, or increasing the average cost per subscription. In order to facilitate this growth, Substack may explore building discovery tools like a recommendation engine or introducing bundles to attract casual fans.

The connection between Kyūdō and Substack lies in the understanding that the value lies in the process rather than the end result. Just as the archer finds fulfillment in the act of aiming, writers on Substack can find satisfaction in the process of creating high-quality content, and readers can derive value from the experience of consuming it.

In conclusion, the art of aiming teaches us to shift our focus from the end goal to the process itself. By embracing the present moment and finding joy in the journey, we can redefine success and live a more fulfilling life. Similarly, platforms like Substack remind us of the importance of high-quality information and the need to support content creators. To apply these principles in our own lives, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace the process: Instead of fixating on the end result, focus on the present moment and find joy in the steps you take towards your goals. Enjoy the journey, for that is where true fulfillment lies.

• 2. Support quality content: Recognize the value of high-quality information and be willing to pay for it. By supporting content creators, you contribute to a culture that prioritizes trust and authenticity.

• 3. Find your aim: Take a step back and reflect on your intentions and aims. What drives you? What fulfills you? By aligning your actions with your true aims, you can create a life that is both purposeful and rewarding.

Incorporating these principles into our lives can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and a more meaningful existence. Let us remember that success is not solely defined by the end goal, but by the way we approach and embrace the journey towards it. Everything is aiming.