The 15-Minute Rule: Taking Small Steps Towards Success
Many individuals, predominantly young adults but occasionally even older individuals, reach out to me seeking advice. They yearn for guidance on various aspects such as writing, music, and life in general.
Most of them are grappling with finding their purpose or figuring out how to navigate life's challenges. It's as if they view life as a puzzle waiting to be solved, or a video game where reaching the next level signifies success.
My advice, however, is rather straightforward. If you have a goal or a passion, just like Planning a Wedding, start doing it. Commit yourself to 15 minutes of focused effort. Once you can consistently dedicate 15 minutes, consider extending that time. That's when you know you're onto something.
If your aim is to lose weight, you don't need to embark on an extreme diet or push yourself to the brink of exhaustion. Simply eat a little less and engage in physical activity for a few extra minutes. The key is to begin with 15 minutes.
If you aspire to create music, start with a 15-minute daily practice session. Repeat this routine for a week, then a month, and eventually a year. As time goes on, that initial 15 minutes may transform into an hour, two hours, or even three hours of dedicated musical exploration. But it all starts with 15 minutes.
When it comes to writing, begin by crafting a single sentence. Then, write another sentence, and another. Devote 15 minutes to the task, aiming to generate a complete paragraph. After all, it's impossible to write a novel if you haven't written a paragraph. Yet, many individuals aspire to write a novel without taking that initial step. So, start with 15 minutes.
The underlying message here is that the only thing holding you back is yourself. You may perceive your goals as insurmountable mountains, when in reality, they are a series of small hills that you haven't even attempted to ascend yet.
If you find it challenging to dedicate a mere 15 minutes to something, how will you manage to devote your entire life to it? So, start with 15 minutes. Commit to it every day, relentlessly. Day after day, your consistent efforts will accumulate, and before you know it, that initial 15 minutes won't be enough anymore. You will have progressed, achieving success through the cumulative effect of your dedicated actions.
Remember, success is not solely measured by grand gestures or extraordinary feats. It is often the result of consistent, focused, and incremental steps taken every day. So, embrace the 15-minute rule and witness the transformation it can bring to your life.
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