Welcome to “The Looking Glass”, a weekly newsletter of timeless wisdom for you to ponder on your journey of growth. I hope you find great value here.
#19 – 02 Sep 2022
Hello friends,
Thanks again for being here!
Here’s an insight, a question, and a quote I reflected on over the last week.
💡 Taking time out and looking forward to it
When was the last time you took a proper break? It doesn’t have to be a six-week venture across Europe. It could be an extended weekend in a countryside cottage.
I’m thankful I have an upcoming getaway with my family. I have been feeling the effects of some form of burnout while carving out my new career path and trying to make ends meet.
I was hustling and bustling a bit this week, trying to get things in order, when my wife asked, “are you looking forward to the trip?”.
“I have not even thought about it”, I sheepishly admitted.
“Part of the fun of a holiday is the anticipation and looking forward to it,” she said.
It suddenly struck me. I was missing out on one of the true joys of life, that eager build-up of excitement with loved ones, where you have something special on your calendar.
Make sure you relish the build-up to your next trip. This extends the benefits beyond the actual trip itself.
❔ Saying yes to the wrong things
We easily become distracted while on our path to something better. Many bright and shiny objects magically appear while we are supposed to be doing something else, which is often arduous or boring.
Chances are you know the things you should be doing. But you are still tempted by these other opportunities that present themselves, even if they have nothing to do with your long-term vision.
Maybe you got asked to present at a conference? Lead a new project? Or help someone redesign a strategy? These things might feel good in the moment. Maybe we get a nice hit of extra income, a rush of dopamine, or a point for the ego as we show our expertise.
The trouble is that if you keep saying yes to these little (or not so little) things that zap your time and energy, you will have nothing left for what matters, your life’s work!
I know it’s hard, but your future self will thank you if you block the noise out and double down on your long-term goals.
Remember, most of the good things in life and work are hard, and we have to stick to them for some time to find the levels of success we desire.
You won’t get anywhere if you keep hopping around to the most interesting thing of the day, week or month. You will be left burnt out and unfulfilled.
I remember hearing someone (my memory escapes me of who) say something like, “it’s better to go 100 miles in one direction than one mile in 100 directions.”. Based on those two scenarios, consider the difference in where you would be, but apply it to what you do…
Are you saying yes to things that weren’t even on your radar?
How can you say “no” more and pull back to your core purpose?
💬A Quote to Ponder – Worthy goals
“S.M.A.R.T. Goals are dumb. Instead, start doing something that matters – a worthy goal. Something thrilling, important, and daunting.”
Michael Bungay Stanier
I’m curious how that quote lands for you – Do you have a goal that is thrilling, important, and daunting?
Cheers!
