I (finally) finished reading Ray Dalio’s book, Principles this week.
…I say “finally,” because sheesh did this book take me a while to complete.
…Two months in case you’re wondering. And not just because of it’s length (567 pages), but because of how dry it felt to me.
What I thought it was going to be were economic principles from one of the most successful hedge fund managers of all time (i.e. when to invest and in what based on varying economic markets). But, what it ended up being were personal and company principles, laid out like a legal document, outlining every single principle he’s incorporated into his life and business over the decades of his work.
…To be clear, the value is massive and there’s a ton to learn from it.
But, to read before bed after a long day of work?
…It proved to be an incredible uphill battle.
“Why didn’t you stop and read something else?” …You might be wondering.
To which I’d reply, I almost did.
But what I always come back to, and the reason I didn’t and stayed the uphill course, was the idea of seeing challenges through.
We do hard things not so we can suffer unnecessarily, but so we can prepare ourselves better for life.
…Illustrated perfectly in how easily I’m able to read my next book, The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. One night and I’m already halfway through. And not because I’m a fast reader, but because I’ve trudged my way through hard reading—and now have context that gives my reading depth, confidence, and appreciation.
…The same kinds of things that come from doing other hard things in life, too.