From Cubicle to Freedom

1. From Cubicle to Freedom. How I build a life on my own terms

Chapter 1. The power of a positive mindset

Have you ever felt like there’s a bigger purpose to your life? A reason why you’re here on this planet? I’ve been pondering this question for as long as I can remember, and it’s something that crosses my mind every day. We live in a world full of debates, where people argue about everything from the shape of the earth to the best way to live our lives. But one thing we all have in common is the desire to be happy and independent.

Chapter 2. The art of living your dream

It’s hard to put into words the feeling of being on your first backpack trip. It’s a mix of excitement, wonder, and the thrill of the unknown. I was able to fully immerse myself in the experience without the burden of financial stress. Quitting my job was a risk, but it paid off in a way that I couldn’t have imagined. Of course, there was a catch. I couldn’t live off of that backpacking trip forever.

Chapter 3. Learning from Failure, the key to success

During our journey as entrepreneurs, my friend Ralph and I learned a lot about taking risks and making things happen. Despite not having all the necessary skills at the beginning, we were determined to succeed with our platform, Rentsy. We knew that there was a problem that we could solve, and we had a good understanding of our target audience. However, our platform didn’t grow as much as we had hoped.

Chapter 4. Hustling and grind, Building a life on your own terms

During those times of uncertainty, I had to be resourceful and creative. I couldn’t rely on a steady paycheck and income from tenants, so I had to find other ways to make money. I remember doing odd jobs here and there, like illegal taxi driving at night and being an Airbnb host and guide, just to make ends meet. Becoming an Airbnb host was one of the best decisions we ever made.

Chapter 5. The Company you keep, How to choose the right friends and partners

I believe that friendships are an essential part of our lives, but it is true that not all of them are meant to last forever. As I have grown and changed over the years, I have realized that I have taken different paths and developed different values, leading to a natural drift in my relationships. When I look back, it can be difficult to name five close friends who have remained close throughout the years.

Chapter 6. The Network effect

Networking is a critical aspect of achieving success in both personal and professional life. Imagine walking into a room filled with 50 strangers who have no common interests or connections. In such a situation, people may approach you and ask about your story, but without any shared interests, the conversation may not go very far. The real value of networking lies in meeting new people who share your interests or who can help you achieve your goals.

Chapter 7. Slow and steady wins the race, embracing the journey

In my experience, it’s common for people to use others’ lives as a benchmark for their own success. They may compare their own age and accomplishments to those of others, leading to feelings of inadequacy or a lack of direction. However, I believe that every person is unique and has their own individual path in life, with their own set of talents and opportunities. Some individuals are born with a natural talent for singing or playing an instrument, while others may excel in sports and have the opportunity to pursue a career as a professional athlete.

Chapter 8. Overcoming insecurities, Finding confidence and success

Insecurities are a common experience for many people, and they often stem from experiences that have left emotional scars. For example, if you have been in a relationship with someone who hurt you deeply, it is natural to carry those wounds with you into your next relationship. Similarly, if you have been bullied or discriminated against, it can affect your self-esteem and make you feel insecure in social situations. There is no one specific cause for insecurity, as many factors can contribute to it.

From impulsive to intentional, Making better decisions

I have always been an impulsive person, never making concrete plans, but it has made me the person I am today. Like most people, I have fired off an email, said something I didn’t want to, or even booked a flight and left the next day on a whim. I think we are all victims of impulsiveness, it’s just how our brains work. When you try to think about what to say next, you’ll be surprised that there’s no clear answer.

Happiness is a choice, Creating your own joyful life

I believe that pockets are meant to put things in, and wallets and bank accounts are meant to be filled with digits and paper bills. In my case, my pocket is not empty or filled, but it’s enough to live from. I don’t need too much to live from, and I consider myself a simple human being who lives pretty minimalistic. In the past, I have lived in countries with just a backpack that contains all the essentials.

Chapter 8. Overcoming insecurities, Finding confidence and success

Insecurities are a common experience for many people, and they often stem from experiences that have left emotional scars. For example, if you have been in a relationship with someone who hurt you deeply, it is natural to carry those wounds with you into your next relationship. Similarly, if you have been bullied or discriminated against, it can affect your self-esteem and make you feel insecure in social situations.

There is no one specific cause for insecurity, as many factors can contribute to it. Childhood experiences, past relationships, societal pressures, and personal traits can all play a role in shaping our insecurities. However, it is important to recognize that we have the power to overcome these insecurities and develop a more positive outlook on life.

I once had a conversation with a girl who appeared to be very confident and self-assured, but as we talked, I learned that she was struggling with deep-seated insecurities about her future. She had experienced a lot of instability and uncertainty in her life, and it was holding her back from pursuing her dreams. I listened to her story and encouraged her to believe in herself and her abilities. We talked about acceptance, courage, and positive thinking, and by the end of our conversation, she seemed to have a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

It is important to remember that everyone experiences insecurities at some point in their life. But with self-reflection, support from loved ones, and a commitment to personal growth, we can learn to overcome these insecurities and lead a more fulfilling life.

Through my experience with the insecure girl, I had a profound realization about the tremendous power of words and their capacity to uplift and instill self-confidence in others. This encounter served as a catalyst for me to prioritize self-reflection and address my own past insecurities and setbacks. By embarking on this personal journey, I found the strength to move forward from a previous failed relationship and, remarkably, crossed paths with a potential partner named Ni Made Suartini. With her I see the possibility of sharing a meaningful future together, built on mutual understanding, trust, and support.

The process of self-improvement can be challenging, especially when dealing with past traumas or failures. However, it is important to remember that these experiences do not define us, and we have the power to change our future. Seeking guidance from a therapist or a supportive friend can be helpful in this process. Sometimes, all it takes is a few kind words or encouragement to help someone overcome their insecurities and start believing in themselves.

My experience also highlights the importance of self-reflection and taking responsibility for our actions. Blaming ourselves or others for past failures only holds us back from moving forward. It is important to acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and use that knowledge to make better choices in the future.

Overall, my journey towards self-improvement and finding love has taught me that it is never too late to change our lives for the better. It takes courage, self-belief, and the willingness to learn from experiences.

I had the opportunity to meet several people who were in a similar situation to mine. They had also ended a relationship and moved to another country to find happiness. As we shared our stories, they told me something that really stuck with me. They said that it wasn’t my loss, but rather the other person’s loss for not believing in me. This made me think and helped me to see things from a different perspective.

Through my conversations with these individuals, I realized that it wasn’t my past insecurities or traumas that were holding me back. It was my own beliefs and thoughts that were limiting me. However, I also learned that the right people around you can have a positive influence on your mind and help you believe in yourself.

After talking with them, I started to assess the things that caused my insecurities and traumas. I began to think about these points and how I could change my beliefs and thoughts to let my mind believe something else. This process led me to discover the five stages of this process.

Forgive the past: If your insecurities were caused by a relative or authority figure’s criticism, it’s important to forgive them and let go of the past. Accept all of yourself: Take a moment to pause and do a self-assessment. Accept all aspects of yourself, both good and bad. Practice self-approval: Give yourself permission to be yourself, and accept that it’s okay to make mistakes and have flaws. Embrace non-comparison: Avoid comparing yourself to others. Remember that everyone has their own unique journey and struggles. Develop trust at the moment: Learn to trust yourself and your instincts. Stay present at the moment and focus on what you can control.

When I started to believe in myself, I began to realize that I cared less about what was happening around me and was more focused on the present moment. This shift in perspective allowed me to appreciate the little things in life that I used to overlook. It was a gradual process, but by forgiving my past, accepting all parts of myself, and practicing self-approval, I was able to develop a sense of trust in the present moment.

One thing that helped me on my journey was realizing that I am not alone. There are others out there who may have similar struggles, and knowing that we are not alone in our journey can be comforting.

At first glance, some may see me as a quiet person. However, those who know me well understand that I have big ambitions and prefer to spend my time writing instead of going out to clubs. I used to think that I was a boring person until I learned about the different types of people, such as introverts and extroverts. Embracing my introverted nature and accepting it as a part of who I am allowed me to feel more confident in myself and my abilities.

As I got to know myself better, I realized that I didn’t fit into the typical categories of introvert or extrovert. I felt like there was something missing, and I wondered if there was something in between. Luckily, someone introduced me to the term “ambivert,” and it was like a light bulb went off in my head. That’s exactly what I am!

I found that I can be social and outgoing when I need to be, but I also crave my alone time. I used to feel like something was wrong with me for not enjoying parties or large social gatherings as much as others did. But now I’ve come to accept and embrace my ambiverted nature.

I’ve learned to prioritize the things that make me happy, even if they don’t fit the typical mold of what’s considered “normal” or “popular.” For example, instead of going out to a crowded club, I’d rather spend a quiet evening at home writing or reading. And if I do go to a party, I’m not afraid to leave early if I’m not feeling it.

This self-acceptance has been a game-changer for me. I no longer feel the need to conform to other people’s expectations or definitions of what it means to be outgoing or introverted. I’ve learned to love myself for who I am, and it has made me a happier and more confident person.

In my personal experience, I have found that accepting and embracing our true personalities is crucial for our well-being and overall happiness. It is important to reflect on what type of personality we have, whether we are an introvert, an extrovert, or an ambivert. For a long time, I struggled with understanding my own personality and why I didn’t always feel comfortable in social situations or being the center of attention. I often wondered if there was something wrong with me or if I needed to change to fit in.

However, over time, I came to understand that my personality is just a part of who I am, and it is something that comes naturally to me. I am an ambivert, someone who can be social and outgoing but also needs alone time to recharge. Once I accepted this aspect of myself, it became a source of strength rather than insecurity. I stopped trying to force myself to be someone I wasn’t and instead focused on being true to myself.

By embracing our true personalities, we attract people who accept and appreciate us for who we are. We don’t need to change ourselves to fit in or be accepted by others. Instead, we can find like-minded people who share our values and interests. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong personality type. We are all unique and should embrace our individuality.

Insecurities can arise from various sources, such as a lack of self-acceptance or confidence, and failure is one of them. I know this firsthand because I experienced it myself. For instance, when I failed my driving license test, I found it difficult to shake off the feeling that I was going to fail again. However, I soon realized that it’s a common psychological response to failure, and I’m not the only one going through this.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s alright to fail; it’s not the end of the world. Failure can be seen as a test to determine your ability to get back up stronger. If you put your best foot forward and believe in yourself, you’ll be able to overcome the obstacle you’re struggling with. The more you learn from your failures, the fewer obstacles you’ll face in the future, as you become more experienced and confident.

I recently watched a movie called Karate Kid that had a profound impact on me. The character Julia in the movie was being bullied by some ruthless individuals, but she decided to take control of her life and seek help from a wise karate master named Mr. Miyagi. The way he trained her was both simple and effective. He allowed her to attempt tasks that he knew she would fail at numerous times. Through these failures, Julia learned to believe in herself and gained the courage to keep going.

Although the movie may seem like an ordinary one, it carries a powerful message about never giving up and coming back stronger, even when faced with adversity. This resonated with me deeply, as I have struggled with insecurities and doubts about my own abilities in the past. Watching Julia’s journey reminded me that every failure is just an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.

Through this movie, I learned that facing our fears and embracing our failures is key to building confidence and self-assurance. We must learn to believe in ourselves, no matter what obstacles may come our way. With persistence and determination, we can overcome even the toughest challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

When I first read this piece by Jay Shetty, I was struck by how true and powerful it is. It speaks to the very heart of insecurity and confidence. Often, we seek external validation and approval from others to feel good about ourselves. But true confidence comes from within, from knowing and valuing who we are regardless of what others think.

As Shetty says, expecting everyone to like us is setting ourselves up for failure. It’s impossible to please everyone, and even those we admire and look up to have their own critics. But that doesn’t mean we should give up on ourselves or our dreams. Rather, we should define for ourselves what is important and valuable, what we believe in and what makes us happy.

If we base our sense of beauty or worth on what others say or think, we become dependent on their approval. This is a recipe for insecurity and unhappiness. True confidence and self-love come from knowing our own worth and valuing ourselves even when others may not. So, let us all remember to define our own path and trust ourselves, and let our confidence shine from within.