Author: Rachit

Sometimes we get used to things and get stuck in a rut. I feel it is important to try new things and be exposed to new ideas and places. It keeps you thinking and changes your perspective.

Whether it be short-term goals or long-term goals, it is important to keep persevering and growing. Changing your approach and using an iterative process is key.

With a new month starting of a new year, look for something new to try or change up how you do one thing. The other day I realized I had been making coffee a set way, I learned a new way and it changed my daily experience. Small changes add up, keep it fresh!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season and hopefully it will be the last new year living with the pandemic and new variants. It will be nearly two years since it has disrupted all of our lives in March.

Every new year brings a opportunity to pause and reflect on our lives. There has been so many changes in our lives in how we live and interact this past two years that now we are all rethinking about how we live our lives.

My new year goals of practicing a healthy mind and body continue from the previous years. I have a few new stretch goals in my life to help me progress to next level. I am excited about that and taking measured steps to achieve them. Often times not all goals can get done in a year or a few years and I have learned to be more patient.

I find it is often easy to continue on the momentum from before and it makes sense to do so for certain things. Other things and areas of our lives it may take more intentional effort to break the cycle.

My insights into the year are that we continue on the path for more flexible work, more innovation and digital services to help manage our lives, a resiliant supply chain, and a return to a more normal life hopefully by the summer!

In life, we are always evolving and learning. I feel it is the nature of life. I am realizing this more and more through life experiences. I now know how much there is to learn and grow about.

Often times I feel that the things we think we have so much experience in are in fact the places where by keeping an open mind we can learn so much. In terms of driving, we often drive without thinking too much but in terms of the critical skills of accelerating, braking, and turning there are so many ways we can improve these skills. This helps us become safer on the road and improves our confidence.

I recently enrolled in an ice skating class, I have been ice skating for many years and after enrolling in a class, I feel I am getting better in every way. I think that is a lesson of life. To never think you know enough, to be open-minded, humble, and to have a beginner’s mindset.

A master had to begin at some time and spend time working on honing those skills. On my trip to Japan, everyone I met took so much pride and dedication in their craft for every job. That is where I learned what matters is how you are doing things. Two people can do the same task, but if one is doing the task and learning how to do it better vs the other just doing the task to get it done.

I also notice those who once were beginners and now masters start to rest on their laurels. You see this often in sports and in life. They achieved success in the past and keep thinking about the glory days. In order to get the most out of life, it is better to adopt a beginner’s mindset.

As fall is coming to an end and winter is fast approaching there is a lot to appreciate and look forward to in the coming months. There has been great progress in the world recovery and new ways that we all adapted during the pandemic have now become norms.

A new season is a great way to think and relfect on how the last few months have been and is there anything to learn and grow that will help carry you forward. I personally also take this time to see how my long terms goals are coming along. I love the seasons and how the change in our physical environments encourages us to change our behaviour. This means time to get out those skates and get out there.

My big takeway during the lockdowns was how important it is to get out there and enjoy nature and with the colder months I am planning to continue to getting some quality outdoor time. This winter will also be different as more and more restrictions are easing up, it will be great to connect with more friends and family.

I strive to become better in all areas of my life. I realize there is no end goal just a series of checks and benchmarks along the way.

There is always more to learn and grow, however, that does not mean we would stop trying to become better altogether. I often find it better to reflect and see how far you have come and what lessons can be learned.

Being calm and feeling confident to take on adversity is a great feeling when you know you are trying best in all areas of your life. Deep down I feel we all know what we should do to move forward. Sometimes it is really hard to proceed forward and make those tough decisions. If we don’t, life just pauses in that area of our lives and holds us back.

Improving your quality of life and quality of thoughts work in tandem. It takes diligent effort in both to achieve the balance that we all so desire.

Every year I realize how much I don’t know and I love it. Every year I want to become calmer and kinder. It’s all a work in progress.