Minimalism

A friend recommended I watch the Netflix Documentary “Minimalism”.

So I did lol (while folding the clothes I just took out from the dryer). Did I agree with everything that’s been said in the documentary? Not on everything. I somewhat felt conflicted, like there was a misalignment between the goal of the documentary and its contents.

30-minutes into the documentary, I noticed there was this focus on being ‘enough’ that we should learn to feel content.

While I agree to some degree, misinterpretation of the idea of ‘enough’ can cause us to be complacent. Complacency kills personal growth. Lack of growth could lead us to stop “living”, NOT dying, but stop living to our potential.

Here are some of my other thoughts:

Two guys who used to work in the financial industry realized that life wasn’t just about accumulating money and material things. <– Well no shit, everyone knows this. Everyone who is not rich knows and feel this way. I find that to fully understand a lesson, you need to somewhat have a similar experience. Otherwise, people will miss the core message however important it is.

Another guy founded the idea of tiny houses because a lot of people are so focused on buying a big living space that isn’t fully utilized (aka wasted space). <– this sounds like a tough call if you have a family. Where would the kids learn how to walk?

A woman founded the idea of reducing the number of clothes you should keep in your closet. <– but what if you just love fashion and it’s that one thing that excites you or just a part of your personality? Who’s to say you can’t or shouldn’t do that?

**PLEASE NOTE**

 I DO NOT DISAGREE with the message and lessons of the documentary.

But I love to play the devil’s advocate to dig in further to what the real issue is.

Watch it.

Tell me what you think 🙂

The real message of the documentary is to remind us to focus on THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS. This week, I focused on…

Studying

The webinar I attended last week inspired me to go for my insurance brokerage license before the year ends.

I followed through for 5 days (studied at least an hour every day).  The goal was to finish reading the textbook on Segregated and Annuity Funds.

However, I’m not done yet but I will try my best to achieve that before the end of the week. The sooner I can get my license, the sooner I can start talking about personal finance. I’m well aware that I don’t need that license to allow me to start writing about investments or insurance. However, I just feel more legit to talk about this stuff when I acquire my provincial license to be a broker. The idea of having my own business excites me. The kind of business that has only one employee – ME. 

I have no intention to scale big to make a shitload of money and become filthy rich. Instead, I want to prove to myself that I’m capable of creating something that people will value and pay for. Why? Because it’s very challenging.

I have no intention of quitting my full-time job either as I value the financial security it provides. This “business” I keep talking about is really just another form of “art” I wanted to pursue.

While some people go for their Master’s degree or becoming a boss, I want to focus on build something that I enjoy doing and at the same time gives me the financial freedom to allow me to keep doing it. Which is why I keep on…

Investing

on myself…

Two weeks ago, I pre-ordered books on marketing and stuff about human nature.

This week I bought another course on customer research and idea validation. Why?

I’ve been stuck for a while and I needed to do something to help me move even just a little bit closer into the “right direction” of building a side-business.

I don’t mind going through the struggles as it helps me build the stamina against burnout and overwhelm. I’ve been at it for more than 5 years now but I’m still generating zero dollars lol. However, I’m learning a lot that I’m able to translate the knowledge I’m learning into my career and personal life.

The results I’m getting is not in the form of money but in the form of personal development. I’m sure they will all tie together in the future and I’m in no rush to get there. Why? I enjoy what I do. The challenges I come across are what makes me become better – without the challenges, I become complacent (which is much worse than struggling).

And if I kept you engaged up to this point of my blog, please let me know so I know what I needed to more of or what to do less of.

Or even better, if you share it with others.

Acquiring feedback and self-awareness are my compass to help me navigate the road to a bigger audience.

Have a good weekend!