30 essential insights I’ve learnt from business, self-love, and caring less.

  1. Embrace Intuition: When faced with tough choices, set aside logic (head choice), take a moment to reflect, and trust your gut (heart choice). Your instincts often hold the key to the right path.

  2. Cut to the Chase: Dealing with people who communicate vaguely? Skip the negotiations and put a contract on the table. They’ll either step up or step out, saving you time and energy.

  3. Actions Speak Louder: In a world full of words, trust actions. People’s true intentions become evident through what they do, not what they say.

  4. Prioritize Health: Remember, your well-being should always come first. Body and mind are inseparable, and overworking can lead to chronic conditions and emotional stress. Learn from my experience — I once worked nonstop, booked a vacation, and ended up fainting on the plane.

  5. Stress Signals: If doctors can’t pinpoint the cause of your ailments, stress might be the culprit. I’ve battled knee issues, daily hives, and migraines, all triggered by stress.

  6. Beyond Work: Your identity extends far beyond your job title. Don’t let your profession define who you are.

  7. Embrace Imperfection: In creative industries, perfectionism can be paralyzing. Recognize that not everything needs to be flawless, even if you’ve been trained to spot minor details.

  8. Morning Momentum: The way you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. Craft morning rituals that energize and inspire you.

  9. Focus and Prioritize: Slow down, concentrate on your top priorities, and avoid trying to tackle everything at once. Quality over quantity.

  10. Value Your Time: Not everyone and every task deserves your attention. Learn to say no when necessary.

  11. The 80/20 Rule: Begin your day by listing ten tasks, but concentrate on completing the two that will deliver 80% of the desired results. Efficiency is key.

  12. Patience Pays Off: Success often demands patience and persistence. Don’t give up when faced with challenges; keep moving forward.

  13. Letting Go: Sometimes the best solution is to relinquish control and allow life to unfold naturally.

  14. Ignore Pessimistic People: Don’t let others’ doubts deter you. They may lack expertise or project their fears onto your aspirations.

  15. Control the Controllable: Focus on aspects within your control. Adapt to change and accept circumstances beyond your influence.

  16. Self-Care First: Prioritize your well-being. If you wake up feeling unwell, take the day off work and care for yourself.

  17. Plant Positive: Place a plant on your desk for moments of respite from screens and a breath of fresh air.

  18. Positive Company: Surround yourself with optimistic, kind-hearted individuals who inspire personal growth.

  19. Reading Everywhere: Infuse your surroundings with books to satisfy your sudden reading urges.

  20. Effective Delegation: When assigning tasks, provide clear instructions about the purpose and desired outcomes to avoid disappointing results and wasted time on corrections.

  21. Systematic Approach: Implement systems, even if you’re a solopreneur. They can reduce workload and increase efficiency for everyone involved.

  22. Self-Compassion Practice: Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d offer a friend facing challenges. Believe in your potential.

  23. Accept Failure: Understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Your consistent actions will ultimately define your success.

  24. Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea: You can’t please everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.

  25. Inner Peace: Control isn’t necessary for happiness and peace; both reside within you, regardless of external circumstances.

  26. Drama-Free Zone: Avoid spending time with individuals who thrive on drama, gossip, and negativity.

  27. Unrealistic Expectations: Don’t let others make you feel guilty for not meeting their unreasonable standards.

  28. You Are Enough: You don’t have to constantly chase success. Where you are right now is sufficient.

  29. Embrace the Present: Find joy in the present moment, rather than fixating on the past or future.

  30. Celebrate Your Achievements: Recognize your worth and the multitude of things you can be proud of.

Pailin Hasegawa

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