Feel The Wave

Where you begin your personal growth journey.

Tag: personal-development

  • Why Being Teachable is the Key to Success

    Learning isn’t just about what we take in from books, podcasts, or documentaries. These methods are intentional—you choose to read the book, listen to the podcast, or watch the documentary because you’re interested in the subject and want to know more. However, there are other, more ambiguous sources of knowledge. It all depends on your perception and openness.

    Consider the advice your parents give you about parenting, whether you’re new at it or have been doing it for 15 years. Or the unsolicited advice from someone who was in your position not long ago. Or feedback from clients and friends. These are all learning opportunities. Are you willing to be taught during those times? Are you taking what was said with a grain of salt, or are you truly learning from it? There are countless learning opportunities each day—do you see or hear them?

    Epictetus said, “We can’t learn that which we think we already know.” Be open to what others are saying. Instead of dismissing a comment because you think you already know, acknowledge it. Change your perspective, have an open mind, and dissect it to find the interesting part. Thank the person for sharing.

    It’s not about what you know but about what you are willing to learn. The greatest people in the world never stop learning. They immerse themselves in information, even things they might already know, because they might have missed something the first time. They continually work on their craft, even though they’re the best at it. They constantly revisit the fundamentals.

    Kobe Bryant practiced the fundamentals of basketball intensely, even when he was in the NBA. He would practice them for hours before and after games. Warren Buffett said, “The more you learn, the more you earn.” He believes continuous learning is the key to success. Jeff Bezos wrote in his 2018 Letter to Shareholders, “Success can come through iteration: invent, launch, reinvent, relaunch, start over, rinse, repeat, again and again.” Keep learning based on what you previously knew. What you think you know might not be true later, so it’s important to revisit what you think you know and have an open mind if something contradicts what you thought you knew. 

    You reach your best self when you are open to learning and allow yourself to be taught by others. Open your mind, and the possibilities are endless.

    Take care.

  • Six Japanese Technic to Follow and Be Better Than You Were Yesterday

    Life can be demanding, and at times, we feel stuck, as if we’re not making any progress. Often, we sense we’re not improving, which can be frustrating. To help you break free from that feeling, here are six Japanese techniques that can guide you toward becoming a better version of yourself each day.

    IKIGAI

    Discover your reason to live and your purpose in life. Find something that makes you want to wake up every day. With a clear purpose, you gain direction, eliminating the possibility of wandering aimlessly through the world. You might not see the end of the journey, but knowing the direction to go is all that matters.

    KAIZEN

    Focus on small improvements every day. Don’t focus on the bigger picture because it can overwhelm you with everything you need to do and learn. Start small and stack the small wins. Over time, those small wins will lead to bigger victories. Multiple large wins will turn you into a different person, much closer to where you want to be.

    POMODORO

    Work for 25 minutes without distraction and then take a 5-minute break. Distraction kills productivity. This method helps you stay focused for short periods and allows for regular breaks. You’ll get more done in a shorter amount of time. 

    HARA HACHI BU

    Don’t stuff yourself with food. When you’re 80% full, stop eating. When we eat until we’re full, we feel fatigued and slow down as our bodies digest. We don’t feel great when we’re overly full and sluggish. Therefore, stopping when you’re 80% full will keep your energy levels higher throughout the day.

    SHOSHIN

    Approach every task as if you were doing it for the first time. Keep the habit of learning, stay curious, and continue asking questions. Be in awe of the simple things. Appreciate small gestures—they will keep you young.

    WABI-SABI

    Embrace imperfection. Don’t try to make everything perfect. Perfection is unattainable. Do your best and share it with the world. Don’t stress over small details. There will always be something to tweak, but it’s better to take action than wait for the perfect moment.

    And there you have it—six Japanese techniques to help you improve day by day. Whether you start small or embrace them all, the key is to take action. Try one today and see the difference it can make. Remember, every small step counts on the path to self-improvement. Take care of yourself as you go on this journey

    Take care. 

  • Embrace Self-Acceptance: A Guide to Loving and Growing Yourself Every Day

    It’s tough to keep going sometimes, and you might find yourself questioning why you’re pursuing personal growth. Whether you began your self-improvement journey six months ago or ten years ago, the same mindset applies: you must learn to love yourself for who you are and where you are in life. 

    Don’t forget how far you’ve come and all the work you’ve put in. Accept where you are now, recognize where you started, and how far you’ve come. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, regardless of its magnitude. Celebrate small victories and anything that puts you in a better position. Accept every win, big or small, and apply this to losses as well, because there is always something to learn from them. For instance, if you started exercising regularly, celebrate the fact that you can now run a mile without stopping, even if you’re not yet at your ultimate fitness goal.

    Take note of what went well throughout your day, and write it down. Do this every day, and you’ll accumulate small wins that can build into bigger successes. It’s like rolling a small snowball down a hill; with each roll, it grows into a massive ball of snow. It could be as simple as completing a task at work, resolving a minor conflict, or even just sticking to your morning routine.

    As your journey of change begins, keep track of where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. This often brings a sense of pride and gratification. Have confidence in knowing you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

    Embrace everything about yourself, including your strengths and shortcomings. No one is perfect, but your shortcomings indicate areas that need improvement. If something negatively affects you, change is necessary. Accept and identify what you know and don’t know. Accepting these facts helps you understand where you stand and the gaps you need to fill to reach your goals. If you tend to procrastinate, acknowledge it without harsh judgment and set a plan to tackle tasks in smaller, manageable steps.

    Understand that perfection is not an option. If perfect people existed, we would all simply follow their example. But then, what kind of world would it be if everyone were perfect and the same? It would be a bland world, devoid of diversity and uniqueness. In creative projects, aiming for perfection can lead to endless revisions and delays. Accepting ‘good enough’ allows you to share your work with the world and improve over time.

    Don’t strive for perfection; aim to get a little better every day. Not every day will feel like progress. If you have a bad day, don’t get discouraged. Such days are part of a healthy life. They often hold important lessons, so be mindful of them to avoid repeating mistakes. If things aren’t going well, accept it, and learn from it. If you’re learning to play an instrument, focus on practicing for 15 minutes daily instead of aiming for flawless performance right away.

    Self-acceptance can be challenging. While anyone can change, only you can decide when to begin. You are the captain of your life, the only one who can steer your ship. Sometimes, the winds may not be favorable, but a great captain knows how to navigate through them. Remember, tough times are only temporary.

    Accept who you are. If you’re unhappy with who you see in the mirror, make a change. Choose a better path, and always remember where you came from.

    Take care. 

  • The Obstacle is the Way

    Life has its ups and downs. Everyone experiences hardship, success, failure, and luck throughout their lifetime. These may not always be balanced, but one thing is certain: we will all face obstacles. The most important part of dealing with them is acceptance.

    You can try to avoid obstacles, but you’ll end up running away from something your entire life—and that’s not truly living. You’ll miss out on challenges that help you grow and learn about yourself. Challenges reveal what you’re capable of. Without them, you’ll never push your boundaries. So, accept the obstacle. Accept the challenge.

    Not all obstacles are equal, and that means you shouldn’t go through them blindly. First, evaluate them. There are many ways to face an obstacle. Ask yourself: Can I go around it? Over it? Under it? Or is the best way to go through it?

    In most cases, turning back is not the best option. Giving up shouldn’t be on the table—because chances are, you’ll face a similar situation again, and you’ll wish you had tried earlier. Tackling challenges and navigating obstacles makes you more adaptable and better prepared for the future.

    The thing about obstacles is that they often feel the same at first: doubt creeps in, and you’re faced with a decision—fight or flight. If you don’t take the time to assess the obstacle and figure out how to overcome it, your default reaction might be to avoid it. But the more you do that, the more future obstacles will feel insurmountable. They start to pile up. It may seem like bad luck, but in reality, it’s your mindset. Every time you turn away from an obstacle, your confidence and resilience take a hit.

    On the other hand, when you face an obstacle and take the time to figure out how to move forward, you build confidence. The next challenge doesn’t seem so intimidating. It may take more effort now to deal with tough obstacles, but in the long run, you’ll be stronger, more efficient, and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

    Your choice.

    Take care.

  • The Responsibility of Leadership: Why Gossip and Poor Feedback Destroy Workplace Culture

    The Responsibility of Leadership: Why Gossip and Poor Feedback Destroy Workplace Culture

    We know gossip isn’t good in the workplace but we sometimes don’t even know we do it. We must be aware of what we say, especially the more senior we become in the workplace. The more visible you become and the higher you rise in authority, the more weight your words carry. With that visibility comes influence—especially over those who work closely with you. Every comment, reaction, and decision has a ripple effect.

    This is something every leader must remember.

    Leadership is not just about responsibility for results. It is responsibility for tone, culture, and direction. A casual remark from a leader can carry more impact than a carefully prepared speech from someone without authority. Influence is powerful—and it must be handled with care.

    A leader must always be aware of who they are speaking to, what they are discussing, and the words they choose. There are respectful ways to say what needs to be said. Gossip is not one of them.

    Leaders should follow a simple rule: if you have nothing constructive to say, say nothing at all.

    Why Gossip Destroys Culture

    Gossip leads nowhere. It is a counterproductive workplace behaviour that damages culture and erodes mutual respect.

    Trust is essential in any work environment. When people speak negatively about colleagues or senior management, that trust begins to erode. And once trust is broken, rebuilding it is difficult and slow.

    Leaders set the standard. If a leader engages in gossip—even subtly—it signals that this behaviour is acceptable. Over time, that standard becomes part of the culture.

    A healthy workplace requires psychological safety. Employees must feel secure enough to share ideas, raise concerns, and admit mistakes without fear of humiliation or retaliation. Gossip undermines that safety. It creates uncertainty and divides teams. Open communication is the antidote.

    Leaders must model honesty and vulnerability. Difficult conversations should happen directly and respectfully. Encouraging team members to collaborate on projects can also strengthen relationships and build mutual understanding between colleagues. Culture is not built through policies. It is built through behaviour.

    The Responsibility of Feedback

    People may vent frustrations. Leaders need to be careful. What might be overlooked in others is amplified in someone with authority. A careless comment from a leader can discourage, embarrass, or create resentment—even if that was never the intention. Leadership requires discipline.

    Constructive feedback is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader. When done properly, it develops people. When done poorly, it diminishes them.

    Effective feedback must be specific, fair, and consistent across all team members. Vague direction or inconsistent standards create confusion, increase tension, and often lead to conflict.

    Timing and setting matter just as much as content. Public criticism rarely motivates. In most cases, it damages confidence and trust. Feedback should be delivered thoughtfully, in the right environment, with the goal of growth—not control.

    Leaders must also avoid assumptions. If someone makes a mistake or takes an unexpected approach, the first step is curiosity, not judgment. A conversation to understand their thought process will always be more productive than speculation. 

    What Leaders Can and Cannot Do

    There are certain behaviours that may go unnoticed among employees but are magnified in leaders. 

    Employees might complain occasionally. Leaders cannot make it a habit.

    Employees may react emotionally. Leaders must remain steady.

    Employees might speak impulsively. Leaders must be deliberate.

    This is part of accepting the title. Leadership does not grant more freedom. It requires greater restraint. It demands emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the willingness to hold yourself to a higher standard—even when it is uncomfortable.

    Leadership Is a Discipline

    Leadership is not easy. It is a continuous learning process because you are guiding individuals with different personalities, experiences, expectations, and motivations. No workplace is perfect. No leader is perfect.

    But one truth remains constant: gossip destroys culture and collaboration, while open communication and honest, constructive feedback strengthen them.

    The workplace reflects the behaviour of its leaders. If you want respect, demonstrate it. If you want trust, protect it. If you want collaboration, model it.

    Leadership is influence. And influence is a responsibility.

    Take care.

  • Never Stop Learning: Unlocking Joy Through Curiosity

    Never Stop Learning: Unlocking Joy Through Curiosity

    Go to work, clock in, clock out, go home, eat, sleep — repeat. Life can feel mundane when we follow the same routine every day. Living on autopilot and suddenly realizing it’s already December can leave us feeling like life is stuck on fast-forward.

    One simple way to combat this monotony and slow life down is to incorporate learning into your daily routine. Life becomes exciting when you seek out opportunities to grow. Whether it’s joining a local group, reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a documentary — the opportunities to expand your knowledge are endless.

    When exploring new learning opportunities, start with something that interests you. And if you’re unsure where to begin, just pick something. Trial and error is part of the process. Dive in quickly — if it’s not for you, at least you didn’t waste much time. Once you start learning, you’ll begin to see opportunities everywhere. Your mindset shifts from autopilot to growth mode. Your view of the world broadens, and you become more receptive to new ideas. The most interesting part? You don’t just gain skills — you also learn more about yourself. What you enjoy. What you don’t. Maybe find a new passion or hobby.

    One of the beautiful side effects of learning is that it makes you feel good about yourself. It sparks curiosity and boosts happiness. You’ll start to wonder why things are the way they are — and whether they could be done differently. You’ll ask more questions and see the world unfold in new ways. It will feel like a gift you’re slowly unwrapping — each new discovery revealing a little more of its magic.

    Saying you want to learn something new is easy. The hard part is making it happen. Time is one of the biggest barriers. But if you plan for learning, it’s more likely to happen. It doesn’t mean sitting at a desk with your head buried in books. It could be listening to a podcast during your commute, reading an article during a break, or setting aside 30 minutes each evening for an online course.

    Keep in mind — learning won’t always bring instant success. There will be ups and downs. Not succeeding on your first try isn’t a failure; it’s a chance to gain insight into the process and into yourself. Being open-minded and asking why something didn’t work can help you improve and grow stronger.

    Track your progress. Keep a journal of what you’ve learned each day. When you look back and see how far you’ve come, it can be incredibly motivating.

    You’re surrounded by learning opportunities — you just have to keep your eyes open. It might be as simple as learning the name of your local barista or memorizing the street names near your workplace.

    If you discover a passion along the way, surround yourself with others who share it. That energy will push you further than you ever imagined.

    Put yourself in new situations. Embrace the beginner’s mindset. Learn something new.

    What are you waiting for?

    Get out there and learn.

    Take care.