When I reflected on how my perspective on life has evolved, I couldn't help but smile. Over time, my views have undergone significant shifts, influenced by various experiences in relationships, career, and education. As I've grown, gained new insights, and faced disappointments, my perspective has transformed, revealing a more profound understanding of life.
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I've always been driven to see things through to the end, and I've often associated giving up with failure. However, this mindset has sometimes led me to overcommit and people-please in relationships, overexert myself in education to the point of self-doubt, and persist in unfulfilling career paths. Ironically, my refusal to let go has caused more harm, keeping me stuck in a cycle of stagnation and darkness. I've become rigid in my ways, repeating the same patterns and expecting different results.
"A friend's WhatsApp status caught my attention with the quote, 'You choose what you don't change.' It resonated deeply, prompting me to reflect on areas of my life that weren't aligning with my desires. Despite recognizing the need for change, I struggled to take the first step. Repeating the quote became a daily affirmation, urging me to re-examine my choices. Initially, it seemed like a futile exercise, but over time, I began to reflect more critically and make conscious decisions. This mindset shift particularly impacted my career, where I started making deliberate choices to align with my goals and aspirations.
"When it came to my career, I initially followed the crowd, pursuing a traditional professional path because it seemed like the expected thing to do. I pushed through exhaustion and dissatisfaction, driven by a desire to excel and make those around me proud. It never occurred to me to question whether I genuinely enjoyed what I was doing or if I was passionate about it. The validation and pride from others felt fulfilling, but it wasn't until later that I realized I had neglected my own desires and aspirations.
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After chasing validation and external approval, I realized that everyone else was happy with my choices, but I wasn't. So, I took a step back and searched for what truly brought me joy. I realized that diversifying my skills and exploring other interests would have made me more versatile and potentially more prosperous.
Although it took me some time to adjust, I eventually diversified my skills by learning new courses and making an impact in multiple areas. What I eventually desired wasn't related to my professional pursuits, but it ignited a passion within me. I felt excited and fulfilled, and it didn't matter if others approved or not. The best part? I didn't have to choose between my professional path and my newfound passion. I could pursue both, and in doing so, I found a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment. And well, This experience also taught me that many people build their wealth by pursuing multiple passions and interests, rather than relying on a single source of income.