Let’s talk about a different kind of Timezones

I’ve been hearing this recently, so I decided to address it on my blog because it’s a place where I can bring together my experiences and knowledge in one place.

People around me in my workspace I have noticed have a feeling like they are behind time. Don’t get me wrong, I felt the same way years ago. Until I realized, through books, experiences, podcasts, and sports, that it makes the most impact when we personalise our learning.

And when I hear this, I can’t stop myself, so I always share these quotes with people who feel “behind” in some manner. We are constantly comparing ourselves, making ourselves feel worse. But the game changes the moment we understand it’s our journey and we’re the only ones making progress.

I have this quote stuck on my board

“Slowly is the fastest way to get where you want to be.”

So here are two quotes that I share with people.

You’re just on time. Obama quote

Whatever age you are today, your future self would love to be it.

Most people do not consider 65 to be a young age… but when you’re 75, you’d love to rewind to 65 and regain those years. Few people would describe 35 as your youth, but in your mid-50s your mid-30s will seem like the “young you.”

Today is a great opportunity, no matter your age. Looking back in a few years, today will seem like the time when you were young and full of potential or the moment when you could have started early or the turning point when you made a choice that benefited your future.

The moment in front of you right now is a good one. Make the most of it.”

Be great in small ways.

Writing 100 words today doesn’t seem worthwhile when you see people publishing bestsellers.

Exercising for 10 minutes doesn’t seem valuable when you see world records posted on Instagram.

But winning the next 10 minutes is its own form of greatness.

People are so busy wishing for more time and better resources that they fail to make the most of the time and resources they have. Be great in small ways and you may be surprised by what you’ve achieved within a year or two.”

Be brave enough to be just okay. I think this next quote you will read, requires us to step up ourselves and be okay.

In the beginning, your skills are raw, your knowledge is sparse, and you lack experience. At best, you will be able to produce work that is “just okay.” And even then, you’ll only manage to reach “just okay” by giving your best effort.

Nobody wants to produce something that is “just okay.” You’ll feel like it’s beneath your standards. You’ll worry about what others think of you. You’ll wonder whether you would be better off taking a different path. But it is impossible to reach that stage unless you are willing to work through your current stage.

And so, one of the main obstacles between who you are and who you could be is courage. The courage to keep trying even if you’re not yet as good as you hope. The courage to keep trying despite your fears of what others may think. The courage to keep trying without knowing how the future will unfold.

Your great work is on the other side of your early work. The only way to be exceptional later on is to have the courage to be “just okay” right now. This is how it is for everyone.”