I have been aiming to post every Sunday. This is Tuesday. Clearly, I’ve been unable to keep my desired schedule.
My excuse is that I was away on a trip. I actually brought my laptop with me, and I did log in with every intention of writing something. However, as I was on this trip, my mind was elsewhere. I decided it would be better to let it go and try again later. Hence, why I am here today.
This topic seems incredibly silly. Talking about keeping a schedule seems quite pedantic. However, I think this topic might be a good lead-in into a topic that is of great interest to me. When asked what skill or quality I possess that is among my greatest strengths, I have been indicating of late that flexibility and adaptability are the strengths I aspire to. This blog, and the schedule I have been trying to keep, present a significant example of what I am referring to.
I do agree that having and keeping a schedule are important for one to do. I pride myself on being a very reliable person; someone who’s word is extremely reliable. If I say I will do something, you can rely on me to actually follow through and do that something. So is the case with this blog. If you are following my blog, then you can expect me to post once a week, and probably on Sunday.
However, if I embrace this schedule too rigidly, I may find that I do not have something significant or valuable to post. I may simply start rambling about silly topics. (You may consider this topic quite silly already.) Alternatively, I might adopt a bit of flexibility in my schedule. I can still aim for once a week, for example, but not necessarily always on Sunday. Perhaps it is best if I aim for Sunday to write something of value, but if I do not have anything worthwhile to say, I may wait a couple days until I am ready to write. This is what it means to be flexible and adaptable. To not hold a position that is too stubborn or rigid. To be able to alter my path, even just slightly, in order to better accomplish my projects.
It has been my observation of this world that being too rigid or stubborn tends to have negative consequences. Rigidly holding onto a particular path often leads to disappointment and failure. My first time attending university is a good example of this. I entered university with the goal of becoming a mechanical engineer. I had made this decision before I started my first class. No matter what, I was going to achieve this goal.
Unfortunately, as many of you may already realize, attending university (especially in the first year) is a complicated process of exploration. Most people are fresh out of high school, and still live with their parents. For some, they may be moving out and will be on their own (without their parents) for the first time. It can be a very stressful and uncertain time for a new university student. This was how it was for me.
I took many classes, as one who attends university often does. Some classes I really enjoyed and excelled in. Others I did not. However, my goal was set. I held on rigidly to that goal. I was going to be a mechanical engineer, no matter what. Many things occurred in my personal life while attending university. Most of these things were experiences of personal growth and evolution. I was changing as a person. I was starting to exercise independence in a way I had never done before. I had a lot to learn in this new arena. My grades in university reflected the significant changes that were occurring. To the point that in my fourth year, the dean sat down with me and we came to the agreement that I needed to spend some time away from the university. I had been kicked out.
Almost exactly twenty years later, I returned to university. It was a different university, as I had moved to another city. I had a different approach; a different goal this time. I did not enter university expecting to attain any particular degree or credential. I started out with a few philosophy classes, and some creative technology classes. I decided I would see what happened. If I enjoyed a class, I would continue taking classes in that area or field. If I did not enjoy a class, I would still finish the class, but I would not take more classes in that area or field.
It turned out that I very much enjoyed both philosophy and creative technology, but I also discovered I enjoyed philosophy a lot more. So over the terms, I signed up for more and more philosophy classes. In the last couple years, I declared I would be an honours student with a major in philosophy. This progression worked out very well for me. Not only did I complete the degree, but I also finished with high honours (my average for all my classes was above 85%). I accomplished what I was unable to accomplish my first time at university.
Some people have suggested I am gifted or special. I don’t agree. Perhaps I have an affinity for philosophy. Perhaps, instead of being rigid in my approach, I allowed the classes to guide my choices. Instead of saying I was going to go to university and get a philosophy degree, I said I would go to university and see what happens. I said I would allow my classes, instructors, my whole experience guide my path. I believe that was the secret to my success.
I recognize that some rigidity and stubbornness is needed. There were a few classes I took that were exceedingly difficult for me. I honestly do not know how I passed my second level Japanese class. I adopted a philosophy of still finishing classes that I signed up for, and in some cases that required a great deal of rigidity. But after those classes were completed, I also reflected deeply on my experiences in those classes. I allowed my experience to guide my decision making in subsequent terms. I adapted my schedule to those experiences.
This blog is for me to express myself. If you are reading this, then you are one of my readers. If you’ve read all my posts, then you are my followers. This blog is a reflection of my thoughts and experiences. And like the person I have evolved into today, this blog must remain flexible and adaptable as well.
In my next post, I am going to try to start tackling the most significant realization I’ve made in my life. The observation that I made in my youth that has helped me to become who I am today. The philosophy that has allowed me to be successful in so many endeavors, and has allowed me to find happiness in this often challenging world. The philosophy I call “Struggle and Sacrifice.”