I got it from my colleague who became a dear friend. We were in the middle of a conversation about the mundane life of workers, past experiences, and future aspirations until I brought up the topic of career growth. And that's when she said, "Don't settle for less".
In my younger years, I thought that it was a matter of calculating how much of wages a company could pay me or chasing for better financial opportunities. Little did I know, well, it's so much more than that. I mean, that can be included, but there are a lot of factors that we can add to that context as well.
Turns out, to be able to embody "Don't settle for less" in our life means I need to get to know myself better. I need to know what values I hold, my boundaries according to what I can and cannot tolerate, my pride, how I can contribute, and how I want to grow, before making choices that align with my values and potential.
That one thing (can be a job, company, spouse, life decision, partner, etc.) maybe couldn't always serve us laughter, blooming flowers, or butterflies in the park. But surely, it's easier for us to walk through when we believe that them/holding it, could lead us to growth and fulfillment.
Being a stay-at-home mom myself, makes me think about how to apply "Don't settle for less" when I'm actually not facing some kind of options for a career ladder or promotions opportunity. So to what extent do I could apply "Don't settle for less" in my life especially? Or is it irrelevant now?
I realized, how my life seems to embrace slow living in a sense of not hustling the 9-5 life. But, lately, I realize, this should not be the reason for not implementing the advice I got years ago. The essence of "Don't Settle for Less" is still relevant. I might live a slower-paced life, but that doesn't stop me from chasing big things in life and striving to grow.
Now, "Don't Settle for Less" means living my role with intention. It is now finding joy in the mundane life, pushing myself to always learn new things, and nurturing with a passion for learning.
If right now I need to stay at home, I need to do it mindfully, with the spirit of learning. Therefore, I can thrive, not just survive. 'Don't settle for less" turns out applied not only to choosing between available options that we have. It might have as well applied to push ourselves to walk the extra mile.
Here is how I took "Don't Settle for Less" as actionable advice that I intend to do it daily:
For me, "Don't settle for less" is a reminder to strive for growth, that we can always dream bigger every day, and that we can take the extra mile, even if it's a foggy way that you can't even see what's ahead of you.
Now, what about you? Is there any advice that sticks to your mind and shapes your life? I'd love to know your story. Please share yours in the comments below. Let it inspire the world!
After sharing my activities a few times whenever my family and I went to the park, I think it's time to dedicate a post to it.
Before becoming a mom, I was someone who preferred indoor activities like staying at home, visiting friends, or spending time at cafés. I wouldn't call myself an outdoorsy person.
Yet, becoming a mom changed everything. Still a homebody myself, but now, I want to give my baby as many outdoor experiences as possible, and one of the most accessible options for me is going to the park. Strangely enough, I’ve come to like it. No, love it.
It took motherhood to make me see it differently. A park, as a public space, should be a safe haven for people to gather, foster a sense of community, support children’s growth, or simply rest.
Now, I see parks as something society genuinely needs. They should be inclusive spaces for everyone. I realize how much public spaces like parks support me as a middle-class mother who doesn’t prioritize visiting exclusive (and often expensive) parks. I never imagined that a public park which developed and maintained by local authorities, could lead me to reflect on how the government supports its people.
For me, parks have become places to expose my baby to the community by showing him the diversity of people with different backgrounds, professions, ages, etc. They’re also my spaces to unwind, refresh my mind after days of house chores, read a few pages, and connect with nature through the trees, the morning breeze, or the sound of birds chirping. A truly well-spent morning.
There was a moment when I saw a mother with her newborn at the park. My first thought was, “Why would she bring her baby here? It’s not safe! The pollution, the smokers, the loud noise from sound systems, why?!”
Then, something snapped inside me. A different question arose:
Why can’t she?
Why can’t she visit a place that’s supposed to be inclusive for all?
Why should she worry about smokers in a space where they shouldn’t even be?
Why can’t a public park be her safe space to enjoy fresh air and sunlight with her baby?
At that moment, I realized I wasn’t being fair. That mother deserved to experience the joy of going out with her baby and enjoying the morning breeze.
But instead of questioning the systems and policies that allow these challenges to persist, it’s easier to blame individuals. It’s easier to judge someone as irresponsible or selfish rather than address the underlying issues that shape their choices.
Wow, this post got political, didn’t it? But then again, what isn’t political? Everything is.
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