1 Question to Reflect On, 5-Second Rule to Stop Screwing Yourself Over, and More
What are your biggest wins so far this year?
Weekly Snapshot
In today’s newsletter, we highlight:
One question to reflect on as we move onto the second half of the year
And, some thoughts regarding personal growth and motivation
Hey friends,
This week zipped by in a whirlwind of good stuff. At work, I had the pleasure of wrapping up a three-week training program for an insanely good new colleague from Malaysia. At home, well, let's just say there were some things that happened too. And to top it all off, I reconnected with a dear college friend – our first catch-up in a couple of years.
Sitting down to write this week's edition of The Hourly Bread, it struck me how quickly time seems to slip away. Do you still remember when you first took the leap into the corporate world? For me, it’s been five years, but it feels like just yesterday. And here we are, hurtling towards the second half of another incredible year.
If you're looking for a little pick-me-up for the days ahead, consider this your official dose of inspiration. Let’s grow!
— Kristoff 🤞
A question to ask yourself
It's so easy to get caught up with our problems today, not realizing that what we have right now are the things that we used to pray for before.
Come to think of it. A flat tire can feel like the end of the world, but rewind a few years and a reliable car might have been a distant dream. During my meetings this week, I asked my team a check-in question to share their biggest wins of the week.
On a bigger scale, and as we near the second half of 2024, here’s one question to reflect on:
What are your biggest wins so far this year?
Maybe you finally landed your dream job, or perhaps you overcame a personal challenge you never thought you could. Did you achieve a fitness goal, learn a new skill, or simply strengthen a cherished relationship?
I understand that, sometimes, the biggest wins are the seemingly insignificant moments of joy. But you may also count your blessings in chunks. These small victories add up and contribute to our overall sense of well-being.
Here are some prompts to get you started:
Personal growth: Have you conquered a fear or developed a new positive habit?
Health and wellness: Did you reach a weight loss goal or finally break a bad health habit? Personally, I started walking daily and now aim to walk 5,000 steps every day.
Relationships: Did you mend a broken friendship, strengthen a bond with family, or find love?
Career: Did you get a promotion, learn a valuable new skill, or finally achieve a work-life balance?
Financial: Did you pay off debt, save for a dream vacation, or finally feel financially secure?
How to stop screwing yourself over
This is probably the best video that you need to watch to start the second half of the year.
Mel Robbins is a motivational speaker who is all about helping people achieve their goals, and 13 years ago, she delivered one of the most inspirational TED Talks that is there is in YouTube. She lays out a simple but powerful strategy for getting what you want in life, including a quick yet effective rule to overcome inaction.
Stop Saying You're Fine: Mel Robbins argues that the word "fine" is a sign that you're resigned to your current situation. When you say you're fine, you're telling yourself that you don't need to make any changes. But if you're not happy, you need to acknowledge that and take action.
You Have the Power to Change Your Life: Mel Robbins says that we all have the potential to achieve great things. The problem is that we often get stuck in our comfort zones and don't take action. She encourages us to push ourselves outside of our comfort zones and to start taking steps towards our goals.
The Five-Second Rule: Mel Robbins introduces the "five-second rule" as a way to overcome inaction. She says that our brains are wired to kill off new ideas. But if we can take action on an idea within five seconds of having it, we're more likely to follow through. I started applying this rule this week whenever I get tempted to check my phone while in the middle of my deep work session and so far, so good!
Your Feelings Are Lying to You: Mel Robbins argues that our feelings can often hold us back from our goals. We might feel scared or uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean we should give up. She says to focus on what you want, not how you feel about going after it.
You Are Not Stuck: Mel Robbins believes that most people feel stuck in their lives at some point. But she insists that this is just a feeling, not reality. You have the power to change your life, but you have to take action.
A powerful visual to get you in action
My goals for the last six months of 2024
I personally find goal-setting as people’s biggest source of motivation… so I’m looping you in on a personal secret.
I don't know about you, but a goal that I have for myself in the second half of 2024 is starting a one-person business. The freedom, flexibility, and chance to build something from the ground up are all incredibly appealing. But where do you even begin?
The one-person business model is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to be their own boss without the overhead of a large team. It's perfect for those who have a specific skillset to offer or a creative passion they want to turn into a profitable venture.
If you're curious about this path but feeling a little lost, here’s a playlist for starters. Together, let’s learn about finding our niche, building a brand, creating scalable offerings, and marketing on a budget. So exciting!
