Weekly Reflections: Lessons Learned One Day at a Time
Nov 29, 2024Some weeks feel like a whirlwind, while others seem to drag on forever - and somehow, this week managed to be both. But as I reflect on the madness, I’m uncovering little nuggets of wisdom. Here are the lessons I picked up this week:
Monday’s Lesson: Just Do It, Even When You Don’t Want To
Tuesday’s Lesson: Rushing Equals Stress
Chaos ruled this morning. My son’s water bottle leaked, so he swapped it with mine. When I couldn’t find my “leaky” bottle, I stressed out, accused him of losing it (it’s always their fault, right?), and launched into a full lecture on how to take care of his things. All of this over a water bottle. For the gym. Clearly, an emergency.
I rushed out the door, only to find my bottle... chilling in the boot of my car. Oops.
The lesson? Rushing equals stress. Maybe I need to skip the morning email scroll or actually get up earlier. Either way, my panic-induced pace clearly affected everyone around me. Sorry, kid. 🙄
And before you say anything… yes, I know I’ve claimed I don’t sweat the small stuff like I used to, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a total idiot sometimes. I’m only human, okay?
Wednesday: You Get Used to “Off” Until You Don’t
Wednesdays have been feeling “meh” lately, and I didn’t help myself this time. A late-night work session paired with a couple of drinks left me feeling terrible the next morning. My workout was barely a workout, and I realised something: my tolerance for alcohol has almost completely disappeared.
It got me thinking - how often do we settle into feeling “off” without realising it? A few months ago, I wouldn’t have felt the effects of a few drinks, but now I do. It’s like the guy I used to see at the train station, coughing his lungs out while chain-smoking. I’d wonder why he didn’t quit, but maybe he was just used to it.
The first step toward change is noticing what no longer serves you.
Thursday was a breakthrough moment for me. I had a meeting with a client that helped me realise exactly who my ideal client is and where I can make the most impact.
The lesson? You don’t have to have everything figured out to start. Look at companies like Nintendo (they started out making playing cards), Wrigley (originally soap and baking powder), and Samsung (grocery trading - who knew?). They all began with something - and refined as they went.
For me, I’ve learned that my biggest value lies in helping clients navigate the emotions tied to money, uncovering their deepest aspirations, and helping them create a plan to achieve them. It’s not just about the numbers - it’s about the person behind the numbers.
Friday: Your Perception Isn’t Always Reality
Friday wrapped up with a client meeting, a hospital trip with Luke (the boys were thrilled to escape school early), and some relaxed evening work at my own pace.
Today’s lesson might be a stretch, but bear with me. On the way to the hospital, I looked up at the sky and said, “Wow, look at the purple sky!” Luke glanced up and said, “What purple sky? It looks totally normal.” Turns out, my sunglasses were giving everything a purple tint.
The lesson? Your perception isn’t always reality. What you see, feel, or think may not always be the full picture - sometimes it’s just the world through your very purple-tinted lenses.
The Bigger Picture
Reflecting on each day has been eye-opening. When you stop to notice what’s working, what’s draining, and how you’re feeling, patterns emerge - and so does clarity.
Life isn’t easy, and it’s not meant to be. Quick fixes and distractions are tempting but fleeting. The real progress comes from doing the hard things, accepting the challenges, and moving forward one step at a time.
So, pause. Tune in to what’s really going on. And then, keep going.