I’ve been addicted to video games.
I would spend 4 to 8 hours a day on video games. But why would I spend so much time on it?
Because I was enjoying so much this feeling when your character progress, becomes stronger, wealthier, when you unlock new skills, new vehicles, new weapons, new skins. Leveling up is so satisfying, that’s why we love video games. We love the progression, it’s addictive.
In December 2023, I had a thought that I would summarize like this:
“Your life is like a video game, and you’re the main character.”
When this idea came to me, something shifted within me (and I hope it will for you, too).
When I was playing video games, I was, in a way, escaping from my responsibility to level up in real life. I still love video games and play them occasionally, but now I’m much more interested in leveling up my real-life character. It’s far more fulfilling, pleasant, and makes me much happier.
The main difference with real life is that in video games, you’re given a MISSION along with all the steps to achieve it. You have a clear idea of what you’re supposed to do and how to get there. Do you see where I’m going with this?
In life, you start the game (you’re born) and… that’s it. No mission, no steps. We’re left to figure it out by ourselves. It’s no wonder so many people feel lost nowadays. As Men, we need clarity and direction in our lives. That’s what drives us to accomplish great things.
Like Oprah Winfrey said:
“Your real job in life is to figure out what it is you are called to do.”
Figuring out our MISSION—that’s our real job. Keep that seed of awareness in your mind we’ll get back to it, but first I must present something extremely important to the pursuit of our mission.
That something is called self-development. It’s the tutorial to truly start progressing in this game called Life. You need to understand what self-development is and how it works so you can start applying it.
What Is Self-Development?
Self-development is all about making yourself better and happier. It’s like growing your superpowers! You start by understanding what you’re good at and what you need to work on, just like knowing your strengths and weaknesses in a video game. Then, you set goals, like getting jacked or learning a new skill. It’s like collecting power-ups in a game, but instead of making your character stronger, self-development makes YOU stronger by helping you feel more confident, deal with tough stuff, get along better with others and a lot more.
It’s also about taking care of yourself, being nice to others, and making sure you’re doing things that make you happy. In short, self-development is about becoming the best person you can be!
Sounds like something you’d love to do? Here’s how to empower yourself:
THE 7 PRINCIPLES OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT
If you’re just starting out on your journey to improve yourself, there are some key principles you should know about. Think of these principles as your guideposts—they’ll help you navigate through life’s ups and downs and become the best version of yourself. This is like a quick introduction to them, so you can see the big picture and make your personal growth journey a lot smoother. Let’s take a look at each one:
1) Self-Awareness and Reflection
What is Self-awareness?
Self-awareness is like having a mirror to see yourself clearly. It’s about understanding who you are, what you’re good at, what you struggle with, and what makes you tick. Knowing yourself deeply is the first step towards personal growth.
Why is Feedback and Reflection Important?
Feedback and reflection are like checkpoints on your journey. Feedback comes from others and helps you see things from different perspectives. Reflection is when you pause and think about your experiences, what went well, what didn’t, and what you can learn from them.
How Can I Develop Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is about understanding and managing your emotions and recognizing them in others. It’s like having an emotional compass that guides your interactions with others. By paying attention to your feelings and how they influence your actions, you can improve your emotional intelligence.
2) Goal Setting and Planning
What are Goals?
Goals are like destinations on a map – they give you something to aim for. Setting clear goals helps you know where you’re going and how to get there. Remember to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to increase your chances of success.
How Can I Manage My Time Better?
Time management is like organizing your schedule to make the most of your day. It involves prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and avoiding procrastination. By managing your time effectively, you can accomplish more and feel less stressed.
3) Continuous Learning and Growth
Why Should I Keep Learning?
Continuous learning is like adding new tools to your toolbox. It keeps your mind sharp and helps you adapt to new challenges. Whether it’s reading books, taking courses, or learning from experiences, there’s always something new to discover.
How Can I Become More Resilient?
Resilience is like bouncing back after falling down. It’s about staying strong in the face of adversity and learning from setbacks. By adopting a positive mindset and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, you can become more resilient.
What Does it Mean to be Adaptable?
Adaptability is like being a chameleon – able to adjust to different situations. It’s about being flexible and open-minded when faced with change. By embracing new experiences and staying open to learning, you can become more adaptable.
4) Health and Well-being
Why is Health Important?
Health is like the foundation of a house – everything else rests on it. Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential for living a fulfilling life. Whether it’s exercising, eating well, or practicing self-care, prioritize your health.
How Can I Practice Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is like pressing pause on a busy day. It’s about being present in the moment and fully experiencing life as it happens. Simple practices like deep breathing or meditation can help you cultivate mindfulness and reduce stress.
5) Effective Communication
Why is Communication Important?
Communication is like the glue that holds relationships together. Whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers, effective communication is essential for building trust and understanding. By listening actively and expressing yourself clearly, you can improve your relationships.
How Can I Build a Supportive Network?
Networking is like planting seeds for future growth. Building a supportive network of people who share your goals and values can provide valuable guidance and encouragement along your journey. Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with others.
6) Self-Discipline and Focus
Why is Self-discipline Important?
Self-discipline is like having a superpower – it helps you stay focused on your goals, even when things get tough. By setting boundaries, staying organized, and resisting distractions, you can develop self-discipline and achieve your dreams.
7) Purpose, Meaning and Gratitude
What Gives Life Meaning?
Finding purpose is like discovering your North Star – it guides your journey. Reflecting on your values and passions can help you find meaning in life and align your actions with what truly matters to you.
How Can I Cultivate Gratitude and Positivity?
Gratitude is like sunshine for the soul – it brightens your outlook on life. By focusing on the good things you have and adopting a positive mindset, you can cultivate gratitude and find joy in everyday moments.
WHERE SHOULD YOU START?
First of all, congratulations! You’ve completed the tutorial and learned about the 7 Principles of Self-Development.
Now, we’re moving to the really exciting part — at the beginning of this letter, I mentioned figuring out your MISSION.
That’s your first quest and the starting point of your journey as a man. This involves understanding exactly:
- What makes you uniquely you (1st principle)
- and What your purpose in life is (7th principle)
Here are four questions to help you reflect on this:
- What do you need in life to feel good?
- What do you value as the most important things in life?
- What are you naturally talented at?
- Which positive impact do you want to bring to this world?
If you need help figuring out who you are and what your purpose in life is, check out my 1on1 mentoring [here]
That was a lot of information so you may feel overwhelmed and that’s okay, because you’re supposed to be overwhelmed. Whenever you’re learning something new, the abundance of information will make you feel dizzy, that means you’re GROWING! Your mind is trying to piece everything and connect every ideas together, it takes time, so don’t worry about it and enjoy the process! Personal growth is a journey, not a destination.
Remember the motto: “1% better everyday” is more than enough for self-development.
Feel free to return to this letter as much as needed. 😉
Thank you for reading me, it means a lot!
See you next week.
- Lucas
