‘Atomic Habits’ reflection: Feeling lost is a good thing
For this last section, I wanted to talk about a thought that was sparked while reading this book, even though it doesn’t have anything to do with habits. I really recommend you pick up this book if you get the chance, it taught me a lot.
It was in the chapter called, “The Truth About Talent” that talked about the concepts of talent, skills, and finding your niche. Reading this chapter really made me reflect on the journey of finding a purpose, and the importance of it.
Finding a purpose is overwhelming
I think the time that we are in, we are drowned with so much information from so much different fields, it can get overwhelming to figure out what we want to spend our lives doing. It’s a very big question and I hate how society expects us to know right away.
Though people may judge us if we say we are lost, I personally think it’s good thing because that means you’re asking the right questions. You’re thinking for yourself. And with questions come answers, it’s just going to take time.
Where I’m at
For me, I’ve reached a level of peace that I’ve never really had before when it comes to my future. I found the fields that I love, that give me purpose, and I have a strong vision with every one of them. I don’t have everything figured out, I know I have a lot of work to do, but I don’t really have any questions about purpose.
I had to sacrifice time to be able to say that. A lot of my peers are much more ahead of me, I get side-comments all the time by my family about how long I’m in university, & even myself honestly, sometimes I get discouraged when I see how much I’m lacking, but I’m really okay with this. I’d rather go slow and get to where I want to be than go fast and end up no where. I know I’m building a future that I want.
“Where do I belong?”
If you’re someone like me who craves purpose and a deeper meaning, it can get frustrating finding a home. Like where do you even start? I remember thinking, “there’s so much out there and I like all of it. I swear I can do anything” The book gives really great questions to help narrow it down:
- “What feels like fun to me, but work to others?”
- “What makes me lose track of time?”
- “Where do I get greater returns than the average person?
- “What comes naturally to me?”
He then goes on to make a really great point:
“The secret to maximizing odds of success is to choose the right field of competition. This is just as true with habit change as it is with sports and business. Habits are easier to perform, and more satisfying to stick with, when they align with your natural inclinations and abilities. Like Micheal phelps in the pool or Hicham El Guerrouj on the track, you want to play a game where the odds are in your favour”
Atomic Habits, page 174
One of the biggest things I’ve realized over the last couple of years is that your natural-born skills and interest will carry you to your passions. They don’t have to necessarily be the same thing. So when making my list I wrote two categories: “what I’m good at” and “what I want.” Then I drew a bridge in between the two. Fulfilment!
The problem with society
I think we live in a time where what you look like you’re doing, is more important that what you’re actually doing. People are obsessed with image and chasing materialistic things to add to it, sometimes at the expense of their happiness.
Not me no sirr-ee. I’d rather everyone think I’m a loser while I work to benefit myself and what is around me. How much rich people have to (god forbid) commit suicide or be on drugs, for us to realize that the fancy cars, the parties, the flashy parties, none of that will bring us happiness. Personal fulfilment trumps all of those things.
Personal fulfillment takes years to find, so let’s forget what society is selling us and chase the things that matter to us. No matter how long it takes.
