Half Hour Hero
What is normal? A normal life is often seen as a course that many people follow owing to the fact that it aligns with societal expectations and offers a sense of stability and predictability. I understand that “normal” is subjective but I don’t want to end up like 99% of the population even if it is stable, and I'm sure you don’t either that’s why you're reading this. Normal is the environment you've become accustomed to around you. For me that is broken down men covered head to toe in dirt and grime. Dust covering their bodies, you can see the particles emitting off them. Just trying to gather enough money for their families during the day. In the afternoon it switches to people who take care of themselves, don’t have to worry about their next meal, these people have nice houses, drive nice cars, and have beautiful families. Going from one to another on a daily basis I am given the complete opposites that life has to offer. I can pick which of the two environments I place myself into. Which one would you choose? Easy Right?
Just as you can choose between these two environments, you can also choose how you spend your time each day. Using just 30 minutes a day to better yourself is a deliberate choice that can shift you from a state of dissatisfaction to one of personal growth and fulfillment. Whether you invest that time in learning a new skill, pursuing a hobby, or simply reflecting on your goals, you have the power to transform your current situation. The decision to improve your life, even in small increments, is within your control—so why not take that 30 minutes and steer yourself towards a more enriching and rewarding path?
In today's fast-paced world, it's all too common to hear people lamenting about their jobs, their bosses, or the monotony of the 9-to-5 grind. Despite the widespread dissatisfaction, many remain stuck in the rut, often citing a lack of time as the primary reason for not pursuing personal growth or new projects. But here's the reality: the notion of "not having enough time" is a misconception that can be easily debunked. The truth is, it's not about the hours between five and nine, but about making the most of even a small window of time each day. Whether it's carving out just five to thirty minutes to read a book, learn a new skill, or simply take a walk, the opportunities for self-improvement are abundant. Embracing these moments can transform your routine and ignite your passion, proving that the time you need is indeed within your reach.
30 minutes a day for a week is three and a half hours. 30 minutes for a year is 182 hours that's greater than four and half full working weeks. One month of consistent work. Imagine if you applied yourself 8 hours a day for a month how good you would become on that topic. Now picture the same thing but with a skill or hobby. How much better would you become? You will have beaten your former self tenfold.
There is a graph in the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear states if you get one percent better for a year you will be 37.78 times better as opposed to one percent worse everyday at the end of the year you will be .003 not much change at all from the start. Getting 1% better each day might seem like a small, incremental change, but its impact over the course of a year can be profound. This concept is often illustrated through the idea of compounding improvements. Here's how it can help:
Steady Progress: Incremental daily improvements ensure that progress is manageable and sustainable. Instead of attempting dramatic changes, which can be overwhelming or unsustainable, small daily improvements are easier to integrate into your routine.
Builds Momentum: As you see small improvements each day, you build confidence and motivation. This positive feedback loop can help you maintain consistency and commitment to your goals.
Long-Term Results: Over time, these small daily improvements accumulate, leading to significant changes. This approach can be applied to any skill, habit, or area of your life, resulting in substantial long-term benefits.
Reduced Pressure: Focusing on small, daily gains reduces the pressure to achieve massive results quickly. It allows you to concentrate on consistent effort without feeling overwhelmed by the need for immediate success.
Enhanced Resilience: Daily improvements cultivate resilience and discipline. Even on days when progress feels minimal, the cumulative effect ensures that you’re still moving forward. Even going through the motions progresses you not regresses you!
Now what are some real world applications of this?
Personal Development: In areas like fitness, learning, or skill-building, a 1% daily improvement can lead to remarkable progress. For instance, if you're learning a new language, a daily 1% improvement in vocabulary or comprehension can result in fluency over time.
Professional Growth: In your career, consistently improving your skills by 1% each day can lead to significant advancements in your expertise and productivity.
For me that was working on cars from not knowing anything, to a year later I can rip apart a car and put it back together with full confidence.
Habit Formation: Small daily improvements in habits, like healthier eating or better time management, can lead to substantial lifestyle changes over a year.
For example eating one meal less a day and adding more protein to your diet you are bound to see results in your physical body. In just three months I was able to see my abs for the first time using this method. I didn’t track anything and yes some days I slacked off. Although with time I got the body I thought was going to take me years to get. Was it simple? Absolutely, was it easy? Kind of. All it took was consistent effort, discipline to stay on track and time. Three ingredients, that's it.
Now ask yourself “do you want to be in the current position that you are in your whole life?” probably not.
Envisioning your future and striving for personal growth is crucial for achieving success and fulfillment. If you're not content with your current position, embrace the challenge of self-improvement. By dedicating just 30 minutes a day to learning and development, you can continually surpass your past self and inch closer to your dreams. Stay committed to growth, keep your ambitions alive, and let each day be a step towards becoming a better version of yourself.
I’m rooting for you!