I’ve been consistently trying to figure out different ways to deal with the inevitable stressors of life. I think I’ve been making a lot of progress over these past few years. I’ve been exercising. I’ve been meditating. I’ve been trying to wake up earlier and also get enough sleep every single day.
But of course, I’m still a work in progress and I haven’t gotten everything figured out. I’m still prone to emotional outbursts here and there and feeling agitated about external factors sometimes. Even though I try to meditate twice a day and exercise every day, there are still times in each day when I feel frustrated and annoyed. That’s how my mind works, I guess.
But at the same time, I am grateful for these different methods of coping that I’ve learned throughout the years. And I do believe that they have helped in terms of helping me live a more peaceful and productive life.
Mark Manson mentioned that keystone habits in life are very important towards getting the ball moving in the right direction. And it’s up to you to figure out which of these habits suit your style. Some keystone habits include writing, reading, exercising, meditating, cooking, and socializing. I would argue that some little everyday tasks can also form keystone habits that get you in the right mindset for the day as well. Like making your bed, improving on an old skill, or learning a new skill. Little things like that could potentially compound and improve your peace of mind or quality of living.
I’ve been lucky enough to practice quite a few of these keystone habits and I do feel that they do make a difference in my life. It’s not about the short-term benefits but the long-term lifestyle that you’re going for. When you exercise every day, you don’t necessarily feel the benefits immediately. It takes weeks or months or even years to see the definition in your body or to feel fitter in general.
It’s a step-by-step process and it takes time to develop. I’m trying to take this in mind when it comes to my own personal development. Living my life. Improving my skills. Evolving with the times. And becoming more physically and mentally resilient in general. Again, I have a long way to go and there is much to improve upon. But that is the beauty of life as well.
You can literally find anything in this world to be passionate about. From the drop of a leaf from a tree. To eating a New York pizza from the local pizzeria. To listening to subway musicians perform the latest tune. There are countless things throughout the day that could potentially move you. So, you just need to keep a look out for that and realize that the world is your oyster. There is so much to learn about and so many resources that you can tap into. If you look carefully, it can really be a life of abundance.
So, I try to strike that mindset as well wherever I go. Whether it be travelling to an exotic location like Portugal, or simply going to the local supermarket to get some mundane groceries. There is a learning opportunity anywhere at any time as well.
So, I’m not there yet. I haven’t achieved everything there is to achieve in this world. I haven’t scaled every mountain. I am still on my journey. And I will forever be on that journey.
I have faith that if I practice the right habits on a daily basis, tangible results will eventually come. But for now, even though it’s a cliché, I am simply trying my best to enjoy the process and enjoy this long meandering path that is my life. Just like many people out there, life is not a straight-line method. It doesn’t simply go up nor does it simply go down. There will be multiple peaks and valleys throughout each year, each month, and each day! And it’s up to us to learn from each moment and level up so to speak based on the circumstances.
So, keep at it. Keep growing your skills. Keep chasing your passions. Keep honing and improving and moving this society forward as a collective. Chase whatever it is that you want to chase. And enjoy whatever it is that you want to enjoy. Because there are so many avenues to do so and to get the most of your own personal life. Keep at it.
And I will try to do the same as well.