Welcome to The Happier Newsletter, a weekly newsletter where I provide actionable ideas to help you build a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.
What’s On Today
- Topic: Don’t Settle For The First Peak You Find
- Question: What Steps Can You Take to Explore New Opportunities?
- Visual: The Comfort Zone
- Gratitude: 3 Things I’m Grateful For This Week
Don’t Settle For The First Peak You Find
We dedicate a staggering number of years to our careers—often over 90,000 hours in a lifetime. Yet, many of us settle for the first job we take. It feels comfortable, and over the years, we climb the ladder, making more money and taking on more responsibility. However, all of a sudden, we may find ourselves in our forties, unhappy and stuck in a job we don’t like.
That’s why so many successful entrepreneurs and business leaders advise young adults to explore various roles and industries. This approach allows you to discover what you truly enjoy, what you excel at, and what you definitely want to avoid.
But this phenomenon doesn’t just apply to work. It extends to many other aspects of life—relationships, personal growth, and even hobbies. We often settle for the first partner we date or the first activity we try, assuming that comfort and familiarity equate to fulfillment. Over time, we may find ourselves in friendships or commitments that no longer resonate with who we are.
To avoid getting stuck, it’s essential to actively seek out new experiences, and not settle for the first peak you find. Here are some actionable steps to help you explore different “mountains” in your life:
1. Create a Discovery List
The easiest strategy is to simply make a list of things you’ve always wanted to try—new hobbies, classes, or even volunteer opportunities. Start by categorising the activities—whether creative, physical, intellectual, or social—and select a few that excite you most.
Then challenge yourself to engage with at least one new item each month. Embracing this process will help you grow and discover new aspects of yourself, even in areas you might not expect.
2. Network and Connect
Networking and connecting with others can open doors to new experiences and broaden your perspective in unexpected ways. Many cities have regular café meetups where strangers gather to chat, share stories, and connect. These gatherings provide a relaxed environment to meet people outside your usual social circles and hear about their diverse experiences.
Some other ways you can connect to people:
- Join a local run club. This not only keeps you active but also introduces you to people with similar health goals. If running isn’t your style, consider a book club or a cooking class—these are fantastic places to bond over shared interests while gaining new skills.
- Volunteer for a local cause. This is another rewarding option, allowing you to connect with people passionate about making a difference.
- Go to a co-working space. Alternatively, co-working spaces often host networking events, workshops, and casual gatherings, creating opportunities to meet professionals across various fields.
Each of these settings offers a unique way to connect, sparking conversations that might lead to lasting friendships, mentorships, or simply fresh inspiration.
3. Reflect Regularly
As you go try these new activities, make sure to keep a journal to reflect on each experience. You can set aside time each month to reflect on your experiences by asking yourself:
- What did I enjoy? Do I want to pursue it?
- What didn’t resonate? What felt challenging?
This will help you refine your understanding of what truly fulfills you.
4. Be Open to Change
Be open to change and embrace the freedom to pivot when needed. If something isn’t fulfilling—whether it’s a job, a hobby, or a relationship—acknowledge that it’s okay to let it go. Allow yourself the grace to move on, even if it means stepping into the unknown. Life is too short to stay in situations that drain your energy or limit your growth. By making room for new opportunities, you open doors to experiences and connections that may align more closely with who you are and where you want to go.
5. Seek Mentorship
Seeking mentorship can be transformative, offering you valuable insights, support, and encouragement as you navigate your journey. A good mentor or coach provides guidance based on their own experiences, helping you make more informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
What Steps Can You Take to Explore New Opportunities?
As you reflect on your journey, consider this: What steps can I take today to explore new opportunities and avoid settling for the familiar in my career and personal life?
Whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth, challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected discoveries and deeper fulfilment.
This week, take a moment to identify one area in your life where you feel stagnant. What action can you take to explore a new opportunity?
The Comfort Zone
3 Things I’m Grateful For This Week
- I'm grateful that my 11-week-old son has turned a corner in his sleep, giving us a bit more rest after a tough week of 30-45 minute sleep cycles (although I’m well aware it can change any minute).
- I’m grateful for my wife’s friends who invited us over for a pizza night, and they made the most delicious homemade pizzas! It was such a nice evening catching up, especially since it was the first time all our little ones and partners were together.
- I’m grateful for the food I’m able to cook and eat.
What are you grateful for this week?
