Welcome to the 20th edition of North Star Blueprints! In this weekly newsletter, we embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, offering observations, strategies, and inspiration to help you navigate life’s challenges and reach new heights of success. This edition will provide a summary of the daily insights I posted throughout the week, packed with valuable tips, thought-provoking ideas, and actionable advice on how to not compare yourself to others, write down your thoughts and actions, plan better routines, learn more efficiently, and effectively reorganize your space, in the hopes of helping you to unleash your better self.
July 1: Focus on Yourself
“Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt
A notion that holds especially true in our careers and personal lives. When we compare ourselves to others, we frequently focus on their successes, achievements, and perceived advantages, while overlooking our own unique strengths and accomplishments. Instead of being motivated by our own progress and goals, we become preoccupied with how we stack up against others, leading to feelings of inadequacy, resentment, and dissatisfaction, as we measure our worth against a skewed standard.
In our professional lives, we have to recognize that everyone’s career path is different, and that everyone’s starting point, experience, and skills are also different. In the same way, comparing in our personal lives, can directly impact our happiness and contentment. Social media often exacerbates this issue, as it presents a curated highlight reel of others’ lives, making it easy to feel like we’re falling short, and distorting our sense of reality.
Instead of appreciating our own experiences and achievements, we end up finding ourselves longing for what others have. To combat this, it’s crucial to focus on our own values, priorities, and progress. Embracing our individuality and celebrating our successes, no matter how small, allows us to build a more fulfilling and joyful life, free from the constraints of comparison. Let go of what others have or do, and start focusing on how far you’ve come to date, and your daily progress. The only comparison you should be making is with yourself – if you can go to bed better than you woke up, you’re doing really well. Forget the rest.
July 2: Don’t Keep Everything In Your Head
It’s so tempting to try to store everything in our heads, from daily tasks and meeting notes to personal reflections and goals. I used to believe that I can get away with it and not bother writing anything down. It might not feel like that at the beginning, but eventually it can become overwhelming and ineffective.
One of the greatest human inventions is writing, we often forget how powerful this simple mechanism can be. Journaling, for instance, allows us to capture the events of the day and revisit them later, providing insight into our thought processes and emotional growth. When we’re upset, putting feelings into words, can help us better understand and process our emotions, leading to mental clarity and peace of mind.
Early in my professional career I used to not take any notes, and it worked just fine for me, until it didn’t… I realized that note taking is not just for me but for the benefit of the whole team, to help us remember key points and action items, ensuring we stay on top of our responsibilities and keep others accountable. Or more recently, writing down completed sets and reps in the gym seemed like a big hassle at first but turned to really help me make adjustments to my workouts and better track my progress. These examples may seem small but can make a significant difference in the long run.
Writing not only helps us organize our thoughts and tasks but also frees up mental space, allowing us to focus more on the present moment and less on trying to remember everything. So, grab a piece of paper or open a notes app and put it all there. It will instantly lighten your mental load and boost your productivity.
July 3: Energy Based Routines
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
Life is not a stable upwards trajectory, it’s a rollercoaster. As responsibilities, stress, and other priorities increase, your ability to push for new personal records or milestones may diminish. During these times, adjusting your expectations is key. We can’t always operate at a 100%, so it’s crucial we learn how to focus on making slower improvements or simply maintaining progress.
We all strive for an ideal routine, but the reality is that we don’t always have the energy to follow it perfectly. We’re not robots; we’re living creatures with fluctuations in energy and motivation. It’s important to have routines tailored to our high, medium, and low energy days. This approach isn’t about shirking responsibility or avoiding accountability; it’s about being adaptable and ensuring we can still achieve our goals, even when we’re not at our best.
For instance, consider your fitness routine. On high energy days, you might hit the gym for a full workout, pushing yourself to new limits. On medium energy days, perhaps a brisk walk or a light jog is more manageable. And on low energy days, even a simple stretching session at home can make a difference. The principle is simple: anything is better than nothing. By doing the minimum, you often find the momentum to do more than you initially thought possible. This flexible approach helps you stay consistent and maintain progress, regardless of your energy levels. We tend to be very harsh with ourselves when we fall short of our expectations, but it’s important to remember that sometimes simply showing up is a battle won – you’ll find that you can still get things done, even when you’re not at your best.
July 4: Learn Everything More Efficiently
With the summer season in full swing, and many slowdown periods across industries, as people take their vacations, it could be a good time to catch up on some studying. Many of us remember studying all night for exams in school, memorizing endless lists of words in a new language, or rushing to get a professional certificate for our new job. But how can we make our studies more efficient? Spaced Repetition is the answer.
It is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention. Instead of cramming all at once, you review material over spaced-out sessions, which helps reinforce the memory and improve recall. To use spaced repetition effectively, follow these steps:
July 5: Clean Space = Clear Mind
Decluttering your space is essential for maintaining a clear and focused mind. When our environment is organized, it becomes easier to access what we need, making us feel more comfortable and productive. This doesn’t mean you need to adopt a minimalist lifestyle or make your space sterile. Instead, aim for a balance where your surroundings are tidy but still reflect your personality and preferences.
Consider your workspace, for instance. Keeping your desk organized with only essential items within reach can help you focus better on your tasks. Use drawers or organizers to store away less frequently used items, reducing visual clutter and distraction. In your living space, arranging your belongings thoughtfully can make your daily routines smoother and more enjoyable. For example, keeping your kitchen counters clear of unnecessary items can make cooking more pleasant and efficient.
Even small actions like regularly clearing out old paperwork, donating clothes you no longer wear, or tidying up your living room can have a significant impact on your mental clarity and overall well-being. The goal is to create an environment that supports your work and life, while making you feel comfortable. A well-organized space not only enhances your productivity but also contributes to a sense of calm and satisfaction in your daily life.
Check out this article by Marie Kondo on some useful tips!
Thank you for joining me on this journey of growth and discovery. I hope these insights illuminate your path forward as you pursue your aspirations with purpose and determination. See you in next week’s edition!
