5 Pillars of Me: A Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth
Introduction
Lately, I’ve been pondering on the significant facets of my life that take up the majority of my time and energy. I have identified these facets as Spirituality, Career, Music, Fitness, and Community, collectively referring to them as the “5 Pillars of Me.” This piece serves as a deep dive into each pillar, offering an assessment of their current states, pinpointing areas for improvement, and formulating solutions to reach my goals with them.
Pillar 1: Spirituality
Current State
My spiritual practices are consistent, with daily breathwork and sound practices, enriched by podcasts, books, and occasional group retreats.
Challenges
Maintaining regularity in my practices and safeguarding against disengagement are areas that need attention.
Goals
To deepen my spiritual connection and enhance mindfulness in everyday life.
Strategies for Growth
Engaging more actively in retreats and practicing mindfulness consistently.
Pillar 2: Career
Current State
As a software engineer, I am building a strong foundation in both technical and social skills, accumulating valuable career capital.
Challenges
The next step is to grow into a senior engineering role, which requires honing my communication skills and developing expertise in a specific domain.
Goals
To weave a safety net from building career capital and actual capital to allow me to take on more ambitious projects such as building a non-profit or high impact startup.
Strategies for Growth
Continue excelling in my current role while keeping an eye on opportunities in prestigious tech companies, despite the uncertain industry climate.
Pillar 3: Music
Current State
I love listening to music, so I started taking weekly singing and piano lessons.
Challenges
I need to establish a routine for structured practice outside of my lessons to expedite my learning and make it more cost-effective.
Goals
To become proficient in singing and piano, eventually branching out into songwriting and composition.
Strategies for Growth
Dedicate daily 30-minute practice sessions for both singing and piano.
Pillar 4: Fitness
Current State
My fitness routine comprises 5 days a week at the gym, alternating between cardio and strength training, alongside a daily step goal.
Challenges
Reestablishing consistency after a brief hiatus and revamping my diet are my current challenges.
Goals
To reduce body fat and return to a healthier, more fit state.
Strategies for Growth
Cut back on eating out from three to one meal a week and delve into meal prep guides to streamline my cooking process.
Pillar 5: Community
Current State
My community engagement is predominantly with family and relatives, with minimal contact with old friends.
Challenges
Expanding my social interactions and finding ways to connect with others in the GTA are pressing needs.
Goals
To broaden my social network and rekindle old friendships.
Strategies for Growth
Seek out events and activities that interest me, and reach out to university friends for potential meet-ups.
Conclusion
I’m curious to see the progress I can make. I’m considering running an experiment to track my activities and their alignment with the ‘5 Pillars of Me.’ Perhaps this can be the topic of a new post. Time will tell.