Chapter 1: The Journey of Self-Reflection

Looking back at my 21-year-old self often makes me cringe. Do you feel the same way?

I was headstrong, unhappy with my appearance, and apprehensive about what lay ahead. In contrast, I've now learned to embrace the future with excitement.

The younger me could have greatly benefited from some sage advice: "You’ll never feel completely satisfied, but that's part of the journey."

Recently, I had a heart-to-heart with an old friend about relationships.

As we near the age when long-term commitments may evolve into lifelong partnerships, the mix of fear and exhilaration is palpable.

We reminisced about our progress over the past year. Celebrating our achievements serves as a reminder that even the worst workdays are just minor bumps along our life paths.

Nobody aspires to be trapped in the 9-to-5 cycle, yet it beats the alternative of being unemployed, residing with your parents, and regretting that you didn't begin your job search as a naive 21-year-old.

You might find yourself jobless and unfulfilled, or stuck in a 9-to-5 with benefits but still feeling dissatisfied.

The essence of happiness lies in this realization:

True freedom is acknowledging that you will never escape work. Once you accept this, you can learn to appreciate working for yourself.

You’ll start creating something meaningful, and the worry about retirement will fade because you'll always be engaged in something worthwhile.

A restless mind often leads to dissatisfaction. "Everything unfolds for a reason."

During my sophomore year at university, I faced a rejection from my dream school.

I was devastated, convinced that I deserved admission to a "better" institution.

That rejection turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me, shaping the course of my college experience.

I secured a campus job, forged new friendships, and was able to travel and network thanks to the university that accepted me.

The connections I made there paved the way for my first job after graduation, leading to a series of opportunities that allowed me to settle comfortably in my dream city.

While the challenges of the present can be daunting, when viewed through a broader lens, it's clear that everything indeed happens for a purpose.

Chapter 2: The Value of Money and Time

When you consider your earnings—let's say $30 an hour—every $30 you spend equates to an hour of your life.

If a deluxe car wash costs $30 and takes 20 minutes, is it worth the money to save an hour of your own time?

Eventually, you'll realize that your time holds greater value than your money. It's perfectly fine to desire more financial resources.

The drive for wealth simply reflects your desire for financial freedom.

"Think about the person you were a year ago."

This is a mantra worth repeating.

The person you were last year is no longer the same as who you are today. You're continuously evolving.

In 2021, I contracted Covid on my birthday, was unhappy in a low-paying job, and had to work outside because "office attendance was required."

I was single, drove an old, rusty car, and lived with my parents. While there's nothing wrong with that, I had been stuck in that situation for three years before the pandemic. I craved change.

By 2022, I met someone wonderful, upgraded to a new car, and moved into a spacious apartment featuring a large kitchen island.

It’s safe to say that the kitchen is my favorite spot in the apartment.

Some might say that "life moves quickly," and it's true. One moment can pass in a blink, causing you to overlook the small joys.

The key takeaway is to acknowledge how far you've progressed. At 21, I felt unfulfilled, but a year earlier, I had even less going for me.

Even now, I sometimes feel inadequate, thinking I need a house and a fortune to write articles for an audience of strangers. Yet just a year ago, I was in a similar situation with even less impact.

My perspectives were limited, I had merely 50 newsletter subscribers, and I was stuck in a teaching position I disliked.

Even a dream job has its challenges. Some days, simply getting to the gym feels monumental. More often than not, I find myself getting out of bed solely out of necessity.

Ultimately, the takeaway is this:

Growth is exponential when you commit to being just 1% better than the person you were yesterday.

Witness the transformative power of gradual change in your life.

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