Slowing Down Has Helped Me Grow Faster
My life has completely changed in 5 years, all because of this specific practice
One specific habit has completely changed my life in the last 5 years: a dedicated practice of introspective analysis and self reflection rooted in philosophical study.
In 2019, I started independently studying philosophy: Stoicism, Epicureanism, Platonism, Taoism, Buddhism, etc.
Prior to that point, I already had a deep background in Christian theology.
But it wasn't until I truly broadened my horizons and looked at things from many angles that I really began to feel "That Which Is" – what the Stoics call "logos" and the Taoists call "tao."
I learned that everything I experience is a decision I make: frustration, pain, anxiety, fear, anger, happiness, peace, etc.
I learned that the secret to eudaimonia (flourishing), ataraxia (freedom from anxiety), and apatheia (freedom from extreme emotion) was to spend my life more attuned to the present, more grateful for what I have than what I lack, and more balanced in my striving.
Prior to my exploration of philosophy, I'd spent decades of my life in a massive hurry to get "somewhere," without any real understanding of who I was, what I wanted, or even what was worth wanting.
Then my dad had a tragic accident that left him permanently disabled and several of my uncles died in rapid succession.
Those experiences really made me stop and think: "What am I working towards? Why? Does it make sense? Does it make me happy? Does it serve others? Does it help more than it hurts?"
This reflex of introspective self-assessment, which I have learned and honed from my philosophical study, has been the single most impactful factor to help me achieve what I would call a "blessed and balanced state of mind."
It has led me to Austin, TX, where I'll be studying Philosophy.
But even more than that, it has led me to:
- build a small business I'm proud of
- publish music that has brought joy to the people I love
- publish fiction and non-fiction writing that has educated and entertained thousands of people
- build a small group of millennial and Gen-Z men whom I mentor (and grow alongside) in business and life
- build a loving relationship in which my partner and I thrive
- step up as the male leader of my family
- be of service to future generations
It's so easy to blitz through life without ever really stopping to think; to examine your trajectory; to assess the damage you've caused (and will likely continue to cause).
This is the fast-track to cultivating a soul that is heavy with grief and regret – a soul that seeks comfort in addiction, abuse, and destruction.
However, this dark demise is fortunately easy to avoid.
Stop.
Breathe.
Think.
Accept.
Change.
Grow.
The truth will set you free.
Blessings on you 🙏
Some Life Updates
My marketing business imploded in February and I’ve been serving / bartending full-time since then, although I’m officially back in business as of 2 months ago and growing after some major strategic overhauls. So, if you need some marketing support, I can help.
I officially live in Austin, TX full-time, where I’ll be working two jobs, going to school, and growing my business; as a result, most of my creative endeavors must go on hold while I rebuild a stable financial foundation, pay down the debt I incurred from the move, and settle into a new routine.
I’ll be writing here and on LinkedIn more often, and I’m going to start posting some content on YouTube, but I won’t be adhering to any sort of publishing cadence. I will, however, be eventually hiring an assistant to help me out, likely for $30 per hour, super part time, so reach out with a resume and portfolio if that sounds interesting.
That’s it!
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