Thirty-Five and Thriving: My Life's Biggest Takeaways

Thirty-five years have flown by, and while I can't claim to have life figured out, I’ve certainly had my share of adventures. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, each experience shaping the person I am today. In this post, I’ll share three invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way that continue to guide me as I navigate this next chapter of life.

Overcoming Overthinking

“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” Seneca’s words have been a constant reminder for me. I’ve always been someone who struggles to express emotions, and when I can’t articulate my feelings, my mind races, creating countless worst-case scenarios. These imagined catastrophes often caused unnecessary anxiety and prevented me from fully enjoying the present moment.

To combat this, I’ve started practicing mindfulness and meditation through running. These techniques have helped me become more aware of my thoughts and learn to let go of those that don’t serve me. Additionally, I’ve made a conscious effort to focus on the present moment, breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. While it’s an ongoing process, these strategies have significantly reduced my tendency to overthink.

Taming the Ego

Ego is the silent enemy that lurks in every corner of our lives. Whether it’s a career promotion, a successful project, or a compliment from a loved one, ego can quickly inflate, distorting our perception and hindering our growth. I’ve fallen victim to its trap countless times, allowing it to cloud my judgment and impede my progress.

For example, after a particularly successful presentation, I found myself basking in the praise, convinced of my brilliance. This inflated ego led to complacency, and I began to overlook potential areas for improvement. It was only after a subsequent less-than-stellar performance that I realized the detrimental effects of my ego.

To keep ego in check, I’ve learned to focus on the process rather than the outcome. By shifting my attention to the steps involved in achieving a goal, I’m less likely to get caught up in the euphoria of success or the despair of failure. Additionally, seeking feedback from trusted peers helps to provide a reality check and prevent ego from taking over.

Embracing Obstacles

The Stoic concept of “obstacle is the way” has been a guiding light throughout my life. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, I’ve often questioned my ability to persevere. However, looking back, I realize these trials have been the crucible that forged my character.

For instance, when I lost myself because of work, it felt like the end of the world. Yet, this setback forced me to reassess my career path and weigh the pros and cons of the job I had. Over time, I’ve cultivated a mindset of resilience. I now view obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. While setbacks are inevitable, they don’t define me. Instead, they shape me into a stronger, more determined individual. I encourage everyone to embrace challenges as stepping stones to a better future.

These three takeaways have been my guiding stars, but I’m the first to admit that I don’t always live up to them. It’s a constant journey of self-improvement, with setbacks being as common as successes. The key is to remember that it’s okay to stumble. What truly matters is getting back up, dusting ourselves off, and continuing to strive for a better version of ourselves.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s keep learning, growing, and supporting each other along the way.