The Power of Small Steps:
Lack of Progress: There are moments when I'm hit by an overwhelming sense of not making any headway in life. It's a feeling that creeps up on me, and it's a sensation I find disappointing. As humans, we tend to become accustomed to our routines, and our brains often keep us in our comfort zones for extended periods. Consider the many people who reside in the same place, follow the same daily routines, and essentially live in a repetitive mode for years, or even decades, without any significant changes. While living comfortably is good and allows us to enjoy life without unnecessary stress, I strongly believe that a life devoid of new journeys would be monotonous, devoid of meaning, and ultimately pointless.
This is precisely why I abhor getting trapped in a daily routine for an extended period. This doesn't mean I'm an indecisive person; rather, I think that to maintain an interesting and fulfilling life, we must always retain our spirit of exploration and willingness to embrace new challenges. These experiences lead to substantial personal growth over time and add extra happiness and meaning to our existence in this world.
The Kaizen Philosophy: Some years ago, I encountered the concept of Kaizen, a Japanese mentality that emphasizes how small, positive changes can bring about significant transformations in life. Ever since I became aware of this mindset, I've made a conscious effort to apply it, and I can confidently say that it has significantly improved the quality of my life. The cumulative impact of our daily habits is truly incredible to contemplate. For example, several years ago, I decided to change my career and become a teacher. I had no clue about how to make this transition, and I was well aware that it would involve considerable financial and personal sacrifices. Teaching was my passion, my love, and an integral part of my way of life, so I needed to find a way to turn my dream into a reality.
A Challenging Journey: I began by dedicating a few hours each week to teaching something to someone, making it a part of my weekly routine. Even though I was unsure about the transition process at that time, I can now see the bigger picture and connect the dots. It brings to mind Steve Jobs' famous speech at Stanford University: the key is to trust your instincts, maintain your commitment to progress, and not waver in your values. So, let's stay dedicated, patient, creative, and sometimes even a little unconventional when making tough decisions. The rest will fall into place, as life has a way of knowing its role better than anyone else.