Entropy

The first dictionary definition of entropy is boring. Lots of random equations. However, the second definition fascinates me: "gradual decline into disorder." The most obvious example of this is cleaning. The moment you finish, disorder sets in and before long its like you never cleaned your home. The same can be said about your habits: lose weight, gain it back; become smart, forget; don't invest in a relationship, become strangers. In fact, the decline can be so severe it's like the progress never happened: you become chubby, you are passed over for promotions, you break up. It is a daily struggle to keep aspects of your life from regressing. Ignorance gives entropy permission to steal your hard won gains. It's the law.

Entropy also has another characteristic beyond decline: randomness. How often do we make room for random events derailing our best laid plans? Or how often are we open to a completely random event beyond our wildest plans? Giving yourself a break when something goes wrong and chalking it up to the universe can be liberating. Our logical minds often wants to assign blame or create theories on why things did not go your way.

Next time you want to dive ahead into a new venture, always ask yourself if you can still work to preserve your gains as well as the fortitude to push through random headwinds.