Core Concepts
Overcoming challenges through financial discipline, finding enjoyable leisure activities, self-motivation, boundary setting, and maintaining strong family connections can lead to personal and professional success.
Abstract
The content discusses the author's journey of pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at a prestigious university in Pakistan, despite facing various challenges. It highlights the key lessons the author learned during this journey, which can be applied to one's own life.
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Financial Discipline:
- The author struggled with managing finances as an 18-year-old living away from home for the first time.
- He learned the importance of documenting expenses, setting savings goals, prioritizing needs, and cutting unnecessary luxuries.
- This financial discipline helped him navigate loan repayments and monthly expenses more effectively.
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Finding Enjoyable Leisure Activities:
- The author found that engaging in leisure activities, such as singing and playing sports, helped him tackle academic challenges more effectively.
- He emphasizes the importance of exploring different activities, committing to them for at least two weeks, and evaluating their impact on one's well-being and creativity.
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Be Your Own Applauder:
- The author faced a period of depression during his first year at university due to a lack of external validation.
- He learned to cultivate self-reliance by regularly acknowledging his own efforts, extracting insights for improvement, and focusing on internal growth rather than external validation.
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Define Your Boundaries:
- The author realized that empathy without clear boundaries can be seen as a weakness and leave one vulnerable.
- He learned to set clear boundaries, prioritize self-care, learn to say no, practice assertive communication, and monitor the emotional impact of interactions.
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Family Time:
- The author initially struggled to maintain regular contact with his family due to the demanding university routine.
- He recognized the importance of staying connected with family members, who provide unconditional love and support, and made it a priority to reach out to them regularly.
The author's experiences and the lessons learned can be applied to various aspects of life, whether one is living at home or away, to achieve personal and professional success.
Stats
The author saved 4,200 RS per month by switching from buying smoothie shakes to eating fruits like bananas and apples.
Quotes
"Some goals are so worthy that it's glorious even to fail."
"Defining your boundaries is actually not limiting yourself; it actually gives you the freedom to practice what you think is right."