Seeking help is the most fundamental way of learning.
When we think of seeking help, we mostly think people.
But if we broaden the definition, it becomes obvious that we can seek help from anything.
Books, videos, tools.
The key is "what are you seeking help for"
I am privileged to be in a spot where a lot of people reach out seeking help.
Over the last few years, here are some very avoidable mistakes I have regularly observed people make.
I assumed speed of response equals intelligence.
I was always eager to quickly finish my work, because I wanted to known as "he gets things done super fast".
We are not paid to get things done fast.
We are paid to get things done right.
I figured I was so low in the hierarchy that if there was an error in my work, someone above me would catch it.
I thought that was their job - to identify errors in their team.
If you wait for your managers to catch your errors, they are now doing your work.
Not theirs.
My day is split into 4 distinct sections 1. Morning (until 930am) - dedicated to me 2. First half (until 1230pm) - dedicated to my work 3. Second half (until 530pm) - dedicated to external engagements 4. Evening (until 930pm) - dedicated to family
This has been so for 4+ yrs
Morning
4.30-4.50am
I wake up at 430am
The first thing I do is to get a glass of water, sit on the floor cross legged and sip it like wine.
No phone.
No person.
Just me and and my water.
This is when I mostly think about the day to come, maybe remember a dream. No agenda!
For the past 4 years, I have managed to read 40-45 books in a year.
After a lot of trial and error, I think I have arrived at a way of reading books that works for me.
It all starts with a routine.
1.
I read every morning, for 30-45 mins.
This is after 90 mins of waking up, once I am done with my meditation, my singing and my "sipping water like wine" routine (a story for another day)
I have read everyday for the longest time I know.
Almost at the same time everyday.