Two Core Pillars of Life: Small Achievements and the Value of the Everyday
What I’ve Come to Value
Lately, I’ve come to realize that two things serve as the most important indicators in my life: building achievements from small, consistent efforts, and recognizing the value of ordinary, everyday moments.
When Everything Felt Overwhelming
At the beginning of this year, I pushed myself to accomplish too many things all at once. I thought I had to do everything on my own. But instead of making meaningful progress, I found myself overwhelmed—tasks piled up, and the pressure of not completing them properly became a heavy burden.
Looking back, it may not seem like such a big deal, but at the time, the sense of loss was significant. I felt like I had failed. I even considered taking a leave of absence to rest and reset.
A Conversation That Changed My Perspective
During that difficult period, I had the opportunity to speak with a professor I deeply respect. That conversation helped me find a sense of direction again, and slowly, the feeling of defeat began to fade. The professor shared two pieces of advice that have stayed with me ever since.
Both success and failure are simply experiences. Neither should be given more weight than they deserve. Success isn’t proof of perfection, and failure doesn’t define your worth.
Never judge your life or identity based on a single outcome—whether it’s a success or a failure. Life is long, and every moment is just one part of a bigger picture.
The Power of Small Achievements
Now, I truly believe that the essence of life lies in achieving small things step by step while cherishing the routines and moments that make up our daily lives. Do we have to constantly accomplish great things to be considered successful or capable? Perhaps not.
It’s not wrong to aim high, but I’ve come to see that it’s not sustainable to always expect extraordinary results from ourselves. What’s more important is accepting our limitations and focusing on what we can do today, even if it’s small.
Appreciating Everyday Life
The everyday matters. From waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth, to working out regularly—these small, consistent habits are the foundation of a meaningful life. Living well isn’t always about grand gestures; sometimes, it’s about showing up and following through on the simplest of routines.
Looking Back — and Moving Forward
This article is based on reflections I wrote in April 2025, during a time of uncertainty and rediscovery. I hope that sharing this experience offers even a small amount of encouragement to anyone who might be going through something similar.
And if I ever find myself in that kind of place again, I hope these words serve as a reminder to slow down, realign, and keep going—one small step at a time.