Chapter 1: The Power of 30 Minutes

In 2019, we hosted a podcast episode delving into our aspirations and the concept of competency, which has been on my mind lately regarding writing, morning pages, and creative pursuits. If you're interested, you can listen to the episode where we share our thoughts in a lighthearted way.

Malcolm Gladwell proposed in his book that dedicating 10,000 hours to a skill can lead to becoming a top performer through deliberate practice. While that may sound daunting, it's essential to recognize that achieving excellence is a journey, not a sprint.

For example, imagine someone telling you, "Hey Shaun, I know you can only run for 60 seconds now, but by Friday, you'll be running for 93 minutes." You might feel overwhelmed, yet Shaun managed to run for 93 minutes that day, just as I did—though I now struggle to reach eight!

Fortunately, Danny Forest, a writer on Medium, presents a more manageable approach. He claims he can acquire soft skills in just eight hours by dedicating 30 minutes a day. This feels far more attainable than the overwhelming 10,000-hour mark.

While there's a distinction between competence and brilliance, dedicating a focused half-hour can significantly enhance our skills, much like how dogs learn through consistency.

Inspired by Forest's methodology, Shaun has identified several skills he wishes to develop:

• Filmmaking with Adobe Premiere
• Learning Spanish
• Exploring stained glass art
• Enhancing parenting skills

I, too, have my list of aspirations:

• Filmmaking with Adobe Premiere
• Creating felted paintings
• Self-publishing
• Writing travel narratives
• Channeling my inner Anthony Bourdain
• Mastering French cuisine, alongside perfecting savory pastries like saltanas and samosas.

What are your aspirations? What skills do you wish to cultivate?

For writers, dedicating 30 minutes daily to writing or studying the craft is crucial for becoming more effective storytellers. While some advice suggests ignoring all guidance, it's essential to find a balance that works for you. You can't expect to excel at the guitar without practice.

Reflecting on our goals, Shaun has successfully checked off a significant item from his list, while I still have three aspirations to pursue. Revisiting our ambitions is a rewarding experience, revealing what remains important and what may have drifted away.

Many writers I encounter struggle to carve out 30 minutes in their busy schedules. Often, people feel blocked or guilty for taking time for themselves, whether it's for creative endeavors like writing or self-care activities such as walking.

However, even a few minutes can make a difference. Discussing your dreams and aspirations is not enough; you must take actionable steps to achieve them. Valuing yourself is crucial in this process.

I often wish for a magic wand to help people recognize their worth, their dreams, and the kindness they deserve as they work towards becoming their ideal selves.

You deserve that.

Chapter 2: Inspiration from Video Resources

In this video titled "I walked for 30 MINUTES every day for 30 DAYS the key to health???", the creator explores the health benefits of daily walking, inspiring viewers to adopt this simple yet effective habit.

The video "30 Minute Workout | At Home Workouts" offers viewers a series of effective exercises that can be done at home in just 30 minutes, making fitness accessible for everyone.