As we enter a fresh new month, it’s time to reflect, reassess, and realign our goals. Keep scrolling to see my epiphany from my 2023 annual review.
As usual, take it one step at a time.
“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” – Bill Gates
Keep finding the balance between smashing goals and self-care. 🙂
Today in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn:
✔️ One of my favourite hacks to feel motivated at all times
✔️ What tasks are truly important
✔️ How to think about maximising life experiences
Doable ideas 💭
Set aside time for a hobby or activity you love each week.
Having something to look forward is one of the most underrated life hacks.
On a macro level, schedule events (e.g. trips, float therapy, catch-ups) weeks or even months in advance to get yourself hyped up.
Your perspective on time and what you’re going through will change as a result.
Reflections 🪞
How do we unbusy our lives but continue to pursue a significant and productive life?
Mindfulness 🧘🏻♀️
I went through my 2023 annual review last night and saw this:
I paused and reflected on my lifestyle in the past 3 months.
Actually, life was pretty good.
Despite the worries and mini identity crisis that occasionally made me feel anxious, I was quite happy with my current lifestyle.
I have successfully integrated my personal and professional lives that I don’t need to take a break from.
- 🎵 In general I enjoy the work I do (as a music therapist), and I have enough agency and autonomy
- 🤸🏻♀️ I fit in outdoor workouts and cafe hopping whenever I could, regardless of weekdays or weekends
- 👯♀️ Easily hanged out with a dear friend who came from overseas on a weekday
- 💛 Feeling peaceful and in control 85% of the time
- 🤝 I have a small but tight social circle I could seek advice/emotional support from
The old me 6 months ago would not have imagined this.
My current reality is the outcome of taking action every day to reinvent myself till I become the version I envisioned to be.
If there is only one advice I could give…
Be intentional.
Your future self sets the direction.
Start behaving differently today to get closer to where you want to be.
Yes, it’s a general direction, and there is no playbook what exact steps you need to take.
You can wander, but wander aimfully.
Be intentional of:
- How you use your time
- Who you surround yourself with
- What to experiment on
- What habits to start/quit
- What projects to pursue
Ultimately, it’s about allocating the non-renewable resources you will never get back: time, health and money.
I now prioritise maximising life satisfaction by creating lasting memories. Health is always a non-negotiable. Better health, better quality of life.
Last month I experimented tons of stuff:
- Sauna after a swim
- Cold shower
- (Consistent) meditation
- Dating app
- Local accommodation to save 2+ hours of commute
- Wrote my very first workout program for myself (!)
This is the experiment called life. And this experiment says there are infinite possibilities you get to experience and create.
– Joe Dispenza
It’s a lot more fun when you adopt the experimental mindset. You know that it’s low-stake, and you could always revert your decisions.
Never a mistake, always a lesson.
How are you going to allocate your time and money this month to make a difference?
What experience do you want to have? 💭
Ideas Worth Pondering 🧠
Every time you are unhappy, you have added something to reality.
– Anthony de Mello
Video This Week 🎥
Here are my no-BS tips on how to feel less tired, coming from an ex-zombie accountant 👇🏻
If you enjoyed that, please share with others 🙂