In the midst of juggling work responsibilities, personal commitments, and the constant stream of bills, our own personal growth and self-improvement often take a back seat in our daily routine.
Reflecting on my past, I used to justify this neglect in two main ways:
- Lack of Control – I felt like I had no say in the matter. I would make excuses like being too busy, having an unfair boss, or not being as fast as my colleagues.
- Fear – I was afraid of missing out on promotions, raises, or not being good enough. Despite climbing the corporate ladder, I found myself burnt out and disconnected from my true self.
It took me years of introspection and therapy to realize that both excuses stemmed from a deep-seated insecurity within me.
Self-Worth & Work
Unbeknownst to me, my self-worth was intricately tied to my job. I allowed external validation from my boss to define my worth, leading me to prioritize work above everything else in my life.
While the thrill of success in business can be exhilarating, it wasn’t enough to compensate for the parts of myself that I was neglecting.
In the grand scheme of the universe’s vast timeline, it’s absurd to think that anyone, even a boss, can determine our self-worth or purpose.
Before You Freak Out
Years ago, uncertainty about life’s purpose would have filled me with anxiety. Now, I embrace the unknown as an opportunity to define my own path.
Most of us have followed the conventional path to reach where we are today. But in doing so, we may have lost touch with parts of ourselves that yearn for exploration.
The good news is that you can start rediscovering those lost pieces by dedicating time to learning something new.
30 Minutes of Mastery
Allocating just 30 minutes a day to learning something new has had a profound impact on my mental well-being, skill enhancement, and self-discovery.
Here’s how you can embark on a similar journey:
Step 1: Identify Your Peak Time
Determine the time of day when you feel most alert and focused.
- For many, this is typically an hour or two after waking up.
- Observe your energy levels over a few weeks to pinpoint your peak time.
Step 2: Block 30 Minutes for Learning
Once you’ve identified your peak time:
- Schedule 30 minutes of learning time every day.
- Set a recurring meeting with yourself to prioritize this session.
Step 3: Show Up & Protect Your Time
Consistency is key:
- Show up daily for your learning session.
- Avoid distractions and excuses that may derail your progress.
Step 4: Observe & Adjust
As Annie Dillard aptly said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” By investing in your self-improvement, you’re paving the way for personal growth and fulfillment.
Are you ready to reclaim those lost pieces of yourself and embark on a journey of self-discovery through daily learning?
