Statistics Overview

In the last 30 days, I've dedicated at least half an hour daily to studying Japanese. This focused effort has led to more progress in my language skills than I’ve achieved in the past decade. I’m enjoying the journey again; these brief study sessions feel engaging and game-like.

I've also committed to tidying up for 10 minutes each day. I began with my workspace and gradually moved through the kitchen, other rooms, and even windows and doors. My biggest rival has become my iRobot vacuum cleaner!

This marks my seventh article this month, with two more awaiting publication. I’ve long wanted to enhance my English writing and communication abilities, often making excuses like a lack of inspiration or time. By dedicating just 20 minutes each day to writing, I anticipate that by the end of next month, I will have produced more articles than in the last four years.

Meditation has been a daily practice for me as well, with 29 successful days out of 30. Despite my past struggles to maintain consistency for even a week, I've learned to bounce back quickly after missing a day.

For 30 consecutive days, I’ve read for at least 20 minutes daily. Recently, I switched to manga to aid my Japanese learning. I now find I need to set a timer, not to ensure I read for 20 minutes, but to prevent myself from getting lost in reading.

Additionally, I've listened to audiobooks and educational podcasts every day while commuting or walking. This effortless way to absorb knowledge has greatly enriched my learning experience.

After years of accumulating paperwork, I've managed to limit myself to just one envelope left to sort. I need to tackle my annual medical check-up, which I dread, but I'm determined to allocate just 10 minutes a day to handle this task, though I often find myself searching for other mundane chores to fill the time.

Maintaining a personal diary has become a new habit over the past 20 days. I initially started this not just to recount my day but also as a planning tool for the following day.

I've also been refreshing my understanding of fundamental mathematics for 20 minutes daily using the Brilliant app. While it's somewhat tedious and has its glitches, revisiting these concepts has been beneficial, and I'm eager to find more enjoyable ways to practice math.

As I write this, I’ve already exceeded the 20 minutes I had intended to spend on this task.

Plans for the Future

The progress I've documented is enough to keep my enthusiasm alive. Each small victory fuels my motivation to continue.

Spending quality time with friends and staying up late to finish this article? Check. Taking a moment to breathe and calm myself when negative thoughts arise? Check. Completing a mundane task that I would have previously postponed? Check.

These small daily achievements over the last month have kept my motivation strong, and boredom has not set in.

Currently, I’ve committed to 13 daily activities, and honestly, I believe that’s a bit much to add any further obligations. For the upcoming month, I plan to maintain the same habits. I expect that over time, these structured habits will seamlessly integrate into my life, becoming second nature, much like my fitness routines.

I work out nearly every day, and I have to remind myself not to overdo it. Cycling has become a natural part of my routine; it’s as fast as taking the train and healthier. I want to keep "Do paperwork" and "Do cleaning" on my list indefinitely, but I hope habits like "Practice Deep Breathing," "Meditate," and "Write a diary" will soon feel as automatic as brushing my teeth.

Conclusion

I’m thrilled to have completed 30 days of this journey and am eager to embark on the next 30. Unlike past New Year’s resolutions, which often turned into burdens, this time feels different. Previously, I would promise myself to keep up with my goals, only to feel overwhelmed and reluctant as time passed. Now, I genuinely want to continue this journey as much as I did 30 days ago.

Cheers!

In this first episode, join Ellie as she shares updates on her apprentice journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Michael reflects on his own apprenticeship journey, discussing lessons learned and personal growth experienced throughout the process.