Navigating Life's Holes: 3 Big Lessons from a Simple Poem 🧭
Issue #64 — A Quick Guide Inspired by Autobiography in 'Five Short Chapters'. Podcast to listen. Power of Action.
If you like reading this, feel free to click the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. 🙏
💡 Here are 3-tips to help you learn, grow, and be inspired this week!
🎓 Learn
I recently came across this super relatable poem called "Autobiography in Five Short Chapters" by Portia Nelson.
Portia Nelson was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and author. She wore many hats in her lifetime and was pretty talented.
The poem beautifully captures the journey of learning from mistakes, making better choices, and growing as a person.
Before I share my three big lessons from this poem, you should read it.
***
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
I. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. II. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I still don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in the same place. It isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out. III. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there, I still fall in. It's habit. It's my fault. I know where I am. I get out immediately. IV. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. V. I walk down a different street. ***
Here are three big life lessons we can all take away from it:
You Gotta Know the Problem: At first, the narrator doesn't even see the hole and falls in. It's only through repeated experiences that they become aware of it. This is true for many aspects of life, whether you're talking about bad habits, toxic relationships, or negative thought patterns. You've got to recognize the issue first.
Change is a Process, Not an Event: You know how you don't become a yoga master in one day? (Trust me, I've tried!) Well, personal change is kinda the same. It's a step-by-step thing. You might goof up, but each time you do, you learn something new.
Sometimes, Change the Whole Game: In the last chapter, the narrator decides to walk down a different street altogether, symbolizing the ultimate form of taking control over one's life. Sometimes, avoiding pitfalls isn't enough; you might have to completely change your environment, mindset, or circle of friends to truly move forward. This speaks to the power of taking charge of your destiny and making choices that set you on a new, more positive path.
Key Takeaway: Life is full of holes, and this poem is like a little guide on how to navigate around them—or find a new path altogether. Keep growing! ✌️
🚀 Growth Tip
I was recently a guest on the "Mañana No Mas" podcast.
During the episode, I shared a wealth of insights on business and personal growth, including strategies, tips, and personal stories.
Here are some of the key topics we covered:
I discussed how I managed to elevate my web agency, taking it from handling $10K deals to dealing with contracts worth $500K.
I elaborated on my daily routine, explaining how it empowers me to effectively manage and operate five different business brands.
I shared valuable tips on how to nurture and develop your mind, body, and financial well-being simultaneously.
If you're interested in diving deeper into these discussions, you can listen to or watch the full episode.
🤩 Inspire
Anything above zero compounds.
Movement creates motivation.
Start. Move. Take Actions.
May the Peaceful Growth be with you! 🪴
