Summary

The author reflects on the personal transformation achieved through a shift in mindset, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's life, the value of consistent effort, and the benefits of physical exercise on mental and physical well-being.

Abstract

The author shares a journey of self-improvement and mindset evolution, detailing how a passive approach to life led to dissatisfaction and a belief in the power of destiny. A realization struck that personal growth requires proactive effort and discipline, which led to a commitment to daily practice in areas of interest. The narrative underscores the significance of health, prompted by a liver infection, and the subsequent positive changes from incorporating regular exercise, such as swimming and gym workouts, into daily life. The author highlights the intrinsic rewards of hard work and the importance of loving the process of achieving one's dreams, advocating for the development of habits that foster resilience and dedication.

Opinions

The author believes that a passive life approach leads to dissatisfaction and a misplaced belief in luck or destiny.
Mastery of any craft is achieved through consistent practice and dedication over time.
Health is paramount, and its neglect can have severe consequences, as experienced by the author during a liver infection.
Regular physical exercise, such as running and swimming, has profound mental and physical health benefits.
The endorphin release from exercise is seen as a valuable, earned reward, superior to quick fixes.
One should love the process of working towards a dream, not just the dream itself.
The author acknowledges being a "jack of all trades, master of none" due to a lack of sustained focus but emphasizes the necessity of mastering skills for a fulfilling career.
The journey of self-improvement is compared to a long journey, best approached with diligence and punctuality, echoing Lao Tzu's wisdom that even the longest journey begins with a single step.

Mindset Leads to Wonders

Things I’ve learned in Jan 2023

Me at 4500 meters at the Himalayan — photo by author

When I was 13, I imagined my life would improve as I grew older. I can’t explain why I had this mindset, but I wanted things to flow in my life effortlessly. I actually believed in it.

I didn’t take the stirring wheel of my life and started to do something about it. I let my life happen on autopilot. Simply going with whatever came by. As a result, when certain things didn’t go as planned, I blamed destiny and thought I wasn’t lucky.

As I grew older, I realized that most things in life do not come effortlessly. In fact, it's quite the opposite. For one to master any craft, whether it's music, art, fighting, business or anything at all. They must do it consistently; over time, they learn the skill.

The most valuable thing in life cannot be mastered by reading books or watching videos. One must practice it with discipline and passion every day.

I realized that to make your life better, nothing external can help you. You must decide to put in the work and do your best.

Mindset is the key

My second home for last 3 months — photo by author

A shift in mindset can do wonders.

It is no rocket science, but we often undermine or forget this. It's one of those things that are so simple, yet consistency can only show us the results.

It hasn’t been long since I started to do exercise. I got into exercise and realized how important it was after getting a liver infection in July of 2022.

At the time, I was living away for a couple of months, and I ate all kinds of things, didn’t exercise, and was ignored by my health. I also drank quite often, destroying my body and health.

At that point, it hit me nothing is more important than my health. To be happy, I must care for myself mentally and physically.

Hence, after returning home, I started running more often. Then I started to go swimming as well.

It was one of the best decisions I made. I felt healthier than ever and was always looking forward to a good swim or run. No matter what happened, I always ensured I went swimming, whether it was raining or sunny.

After a few weeks, I started to feel good about myself. My posture improved, I felt more relaxed, and I slept better. It was a game-changer for me.

Although, I never wanted to stop swimming. It gets too cold in the winter, so the pool is closed for winter. So I decided to go to the gym.

Going to the gym was one of the best decisions I made. I realized my love for constant physical exercise increased. The endorphin release you get after working out is fantastic.

The best part is you earned it. You didn’t get it from the internet or cheap alternative sources but worked hard for it.

As someone who has never done any exercise, my life has changed since August 2022, and I feel I am on a roll.

2023 is all about consistency and focusing on things I’ve started.

Loving The Process

Photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash

I realized something important in these couple of months.

One must fall in love with the process, not just the dream, to get there because the only way to make a dream come to life is by working hard for it every day.

I’ve always been a curious person. I love learning new things, but I never stayed long enough to master anything. Hence, I am a jack of all and a Master of None.

Maybe no one can truly master something but having a core knowledge of some skill is necessary for life if you want people to make a living doing what you love.

Genuinely loving showing up each day and doing your best is what you have control over, so one must have all eyes on the road.

One step at a time, keep moving forward.

Building habits that help one to reach their goal faster but being passionate enough to achieve it and pushing through the storms that come along the journey.

I realized that is what it's all about.

One step at a time, being on time and doing your work on time, giving your best, and being diligent with everything one is committed to doing.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” — Lao Tzu