Finding Balance: My Journey from Leisure to Productivity
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Chapter 1: Reflecting on My Past
Have you ever set aside your carefree lifestyle to pursue something greater? This is a question I ponder as I reflect on my journey over the past few months.
In May, I enjoyed a laid-back lifestyle, often glued to my phone without much productivity. I spent countless hours scrolling through YouTube and Facebook, much like many others my age. This so-called "fun life" came with no stress or demanding responsibilities, allowing me to unwind completely.
However, during the June holidays, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and strive for something more meaningful.
Section 1.1: Setting New Goals
I outlined several objectives for my vacation, such as learning the German language, practicing Turkish, and committing to read three books. Additionally, I enrolled in three online courses:
- Freelancing
- Content Writing
- Graphic Designing
These courses commenced on June 21 and concluded on July 24. I relished the learning experience and successfully completed them, earning my certificates. I even crafted portfolios for each gig to attract potential clients. My goal was to become a successful freelancer, although I still had a long way to go.
In the video "I Quit the Internet for 30 Days," the creator shares their transformative journey of disconnecting from online distractions and focusing on personal growth. This resonated deeply with my own experience of stepping away from social media to pursue my goals.
Subsection 1.1.1: Facing Challenges
Unfortunately, I faced setbacks, including being scammed by two clients on Fiverr, which left me feeling defeated and anxious. I documented this experience in my article titled "My First 2 Clients Scammed Me on Fiverr. Need Help!" These challenges took a toll on my mental health, but I managed to cope.
In my quest for employment, I discovered LinkedIn, which further divided my time among various responsibilities: managing three courses, practicing languages, maintaining social media accounts, and researching freelance skills.
Section 1.2: The Weight of Expectations
The pressure from coursework and other commitments led me to limit my social interactions, binge-watching series, and scrolling through social media. As August approached, I felt overwhelmed, as if I were trying to fill a glass with water that was overflowing.
My mental health began to suffer as I battled insomnia and neglecting proper nutrition. I realized I needed to simplify my schedule to regain some balance.
Chapter 2: A New Approach to Life
I decided to eliminate language learning and book reading from my routine, along with ceasing my article posts on Facebook.
Dave Ramsey's insights in "Dave Ramsey's Life Advice Will Leave You SPEECHLESS (MUST WATCH)" remind us of the importance of managing our responsibilities effectively to maintain mental well-being. This message echoed my own need to reassess my workload.
Now, in September, I've found a degree of relaxation, although my university classes have begun, bringing a new wave of assignments. Thankfully, I've managed to carve out some free time on weekends for shopping or dining out to uplift my spirits.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Balance
While I sometimes long for my stress-free days, I recognize that I don’t want to abandon my new endeavors entirely. I’ve chosen to discontinue my German studies and completed my courses, but I will continue with video editing and graphic design.
As a parting piece of advice, don’t overload yourself with responsibilities. It’s crucial to manage what you can handle and maintain a healthy balance in life. Prioritize your mental well-being, and remember to take breaks when needed!