Note: this post was originally written as an Atomic Essay as part of Ship 30 for 30 and posted on Twitter. I’ve copied the essay content here so it isn’t just lost in the endlessness of the Twitter feed. Enjoy!
I am by no means an expert in how to be a good human and I don’t believe there is just one way to do it. We’re all a mixed bag of nature and nurture so what makes me better might make you miserable. We’ve all got to find our own unique path.
Until about a decade ago I lived pretty much on autopilot.
My childhood was mostly normal without any capital T trauma to speak of. My parents were divorced but attentive. I got decent grades, had friends and hobbies. I went to college, got married, worked a decent job as an RN in the local hospital, bought a house, had a baby – the typical American dream.
Enter: a slightly late Quarter-Life Crisis
At some point in my early 30’s I realized that I was just going through the motions in my life. I was doing all the things I was “supposed” to do, but I was basically numb. I wasn’t actively choosing anything I was doing – I just kind of fell into it. That realization started me on the path of personal development.
I’ve read books, listened to podcasts, journaled until my fingers hurt, taken courses, joined masterminds, worked with coaches, tried out new habits and routines, and basically all the things. It’s honestly wild to think about how different I am today versus 10 years ago. I hope I can say the same thing in another 10 years.
When it comes to personal growth, the work is never done
One of my favorite quotes about growth is from Tom Bilyeu
“If you don’t know EXACTLY who you want to be and what you want to be doing in 5 years, you’re already doing it.”
I will never be the person writing on the internet telling you my way is the only way to become a better human, but I will tell you that being intentional about everything is the foundation. You have to develop self-awareness and actively choose your thoughts and actions or you will end up sleeping through your life.
