Chapter 1: The Journey to Sustainability

Transitioning from feeling exhausted and overwhelmed to achieving happiness and fulfillment while pursuing your goals is possible.

When I began my fitness journey, my personal trainer emphasized the importance of sustainability. The goal was to integrate exercise into my daily life without it dominating my existence. As a food lover, bland meals like steamed broccoli and chicken were simply not feasible for me long-term. I enjoyed working out, but I also cherished my social life, and making the gym my sole focus was not practical.

I often watched fitness influencers on YouTube who would dine out with friends, only to pull out their meal prep containers filled with lackluster food while their friends savored delicious burgers. It made me empathize with their struggle. Instead, I aimed to create a lifestyle that allowed me to enjoy both fitness and food without feeling deprived of life’s pleasures.

In my professional life, however, I failed to adopt the same mindset. For almost two years, I found myself working from dawn until dusk, appearing busy yet not truly productive. I believed that relentless effort was the key to success, pushing through fatigue and stress, often sacrificing personal time and relationships.

I would skip date nights if a project wasn’t complete or rise early, ignoring my body’s need for sleep. My routine was dictated by obligations rather than joy. While hard work is essential, I learned through experience that neglecting self-care ultimately undermines productivity.

At the end of 2021, I took a well-deserved break that prompted a significant realization: life is fleeting. If we don’t seize every opportunity to nourish our souls, we risk becoming unhappy, regardless of our achievements.

It’s understandable to pursue goals with single-minded determination. However, the truth is that achieving one goal often leads to the emergence of another, larger goal. I once thought that reaching a certain income level would bring contentment, only to find that new ambitions quickly replaced it.

This led me to ponder a crucial question: What would your ideal life look like if money were no object? What would a stress-free day entail? What does your perfect day consist of?

These are often the activities we push aside in our busy lives, even though they bring us joy and fulfillment. For me, an ideal day might look like this:

I would wake up naturally around 6 a.m., savor coffee, journal, and read—activities that nourish my spirit. Writing is a passion of mine, and I wish to share insights that could help others. I’d engage in exercise, not out of obligation, but from a place of self-love.

Afterward, I would enjoy a long walk, perhaps to the beach or through the city, followed by a leisurely café visit to sip espresso and enjoy a croissant. I’d read, write, and create content about my experiences. Evenings would be spent cooking dinner and enjoying quality time with my loved ones, ending the day with a sense of satisfaction rather than dread.

A fulfilling day is characterized by the freedom to choose how to spend one’s time. At the end of the day, the goal is not merely to survive but to feel hope, joy, and fulfillment. Living in a constant state of exhaustion is unsustainable, both for ourselves and those around us.

What does your perfect day look like? Consider yourself a digital battery; when you neglect activities that bring you joy, your energy drains. However, when you incorporate small acts of self-care, you recharge.

Perhaps you’re currently juggling a 9-to-5 job, a side hustle, and other commitments, leading to neglecting your well-being. Reflect on what you can eliminate from your daily routine that consumes time without providing value.

Recently, I realized I had spent over two hours mindlessly scrolling through TikTok—time I could have devoted to reading, writing, or engaging with my boyfriend. Imagine if you spend two or more hours on TikTok daily; that’s a staggering 672 hours a year lost to an app designed to manipulate your attention.

Forbes describes TikTok as akin to digital cocaine, offering fleeting bursts of dopamine that keep users hooked. Dr. Julie Albright emphasizes that this habit can lead to a hypnotic cycle of distraction.

Takeaways:

• Ask yourself what your ideal schedule looks like.
• Identify time wasted on unproductive activities.
• Redirect that time towards pursuits that enrich your life.

Building a sustainable life involves making small, healthy choices that nourish your soul and support your future, rather than draining your energy and potential.

Chapter 2: Building a Sustainable Morning Routine

This video outlines five essential steps for crafting a sustainable morning routine that prioritizes mindset and self-care. It emphasizes the importance of starting your day on a positive note, helping you achieve your goals more effectively.

Chapter 3: Consistency in Your Routine

In this video, discover strategies to build and maintain a routine that fosters productivity, discipline, and motivation throughout 2024. It offers valuable tips to help you stay consistent in your efforts, ensuring your goals remain within reach.

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