Everything I’ve Learned in 8 Weeks
If this is the first post you’re reading from me, hi! I’m currently enrolled in a 9-month-long business intensive called Praxis, and I just completed my first two months of the program. Here’s a reflection on my time so far:
Today is the first day of October (the best month of the year). Every year, I am increasingly amazed by the speed at which time elapses. The days come and go, I blink twice, and it’s suddenly a new month– this truly seems to be a side effect that comes with age, and I’m not even that old. When time moves so quickly, I’ve found it easy to look back feeling unsatisfied with my productivity and accomplishments. Thinking I could’ve done better, or simply done more; vividly recalling (exclusively) the instances where laziness or exhaustion took precedence over the need to achieve. (Even though my calendar and todo list were packed nearly everyday???) Hindsight really is 20/20, in the worst way. Contentment is so difficult, and critique comes so naturally.
Looking back at the past 8 weeks, I am both impressed and discontent with what I’ve accomplished, but I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. I’m learning to exist in a balance of giving myself grace, yet using my dissatisfaction as a catalyst to do better. And I think this is a healthy mindset to rest in. So consider this post not a formal review, but a conversation between you and me. A catch-up with a friend. A life update, if you will. I’m writing today to reflect upon the past two months of work, experiences, and growth; authoring my thoughts out of an abundance of learning.
These initial 8 weeks have been chalk-full of projects that have stretched my intelligence and abilities. I consider myself a very creative person, so it’s felt great to be putting content out weekly. Right off the bat, the content creation week hit hard. I built my website (what you’re reading this on now!) on Squarespace, created my personal newsletter on Substack (subscribe here), and filmed an introduction video (kind of the worst, haha). The next two weeks focused on personal and professional performance, with assignments such as setting up digital calendars, task managers, and creating a habit accountability system. This module also included a case study I wrote on Lauryn and Michael Bosstick. Week 5 consisted of so much writing, which definitely pushed my limits in the best way. Along with several proofreading exercises, the articles I created that week include a personal experience piece, an opinion/thought piece, a mock company blog post, and a mock sales email. Weeks 6 and 7 focused again on personal growth, with a skill-building week (I learned how to use a program called Zapier) and a personal finance week. And that brings us to this week of reflection, week 8!
A major part of Praxis is the monthly reading assignment. So, over the past 8 weeks, I’ve completed two books. The first was The Concise Mastery by Robert Greene, and the second, Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you read my weekly newsletters, you’d know my opinion on each of these books. But, in case you don’t, here’s a quick recap:
Robert Greene presents the idea that mastery, as legends such as Mozart or Da Vinci achieved, is attainable to all of us. That talent is not born with us, but achieved– but our systems and collective mindset surrounding education are our greatest saboteurs. James Clear argues that making lofty goals is not what gets us to our highest potential, but rather, prioritizing small, consistent, and compounding habits.
I love and agree with the core messages of both pieces. However, my personal preference with self-help books is: give me something controversial, or cut the length. There is not a single bone in my body that cares to read 300 pages of repetitive, common-sense knowledge. The Concise Mastery did an excellent job meeting my criteria. It was small (being the concise version and all. The thought of a full version scares me), and Greene laid out some pretty polarizing takes. I loved it. I want to be challenged; to have clear moments of disagreement, not just presented with objective realities. I got that with Mastery. However, Atomic Habits was a different story. I felt that Clear had excellent points that served as great reminders and were inarguably true. But I didn’t learn or feel challenged by much. And that was the trend throughout the entirety of the book. The sentiment was nice, but after so many iterations of a similar point, it just fell flat. Now, clearly, James Clear has profited immensely on Atomic Habits, so I honestly have no room to talk. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
On a positive note, I’m feeling so grateful and sure about my decision to apply at Praxis. These initial 8 weeks have certainly challenged me in a way I haven’t experienced much, historically. Entering back into student-mode after 2 years has been a huge adjustment, especially while working and living in the real world. I also have experienced several life circumstances that have tested my limits in a pretty intensive way, so that has really been the cherry on top, in the worst way. I’ve worked intently on the top two most important (and difficult) managements: stress & time– and though I have a long way to go (specifically with the former), I mean it when I say I’m thrilled and content with the progress I’ve made. I could try and summarize my full learning experience, but to keep things brief, here are my top 3 takeaways from August ‘til now:
Every day presents an opportunity to learn. This goes so far beyond academics. If you’re not learning, you’re not living! Open your eyes and shift your perspective; accept every trial and every blessing with a grateful and coachable heart. Willingness to observe is the key to learning.
Other humans are your greatest resource. Learn from others! Most people love to share their knowledge and experiences; it makes them feel good about themselves. Find someone you admire and buy them a coffee. Chat it up. Be a sponge. You will learn more in that hour than probably a whole semester of school.
Don’t be afraid to pivot! Adapt, adapt, adapt. My greatest downfall—as an anxious, perfectionistic person—is white-knuckling my plans. As if I have any control over them in the first place! Be flexible, and allow yourself to ride along with life’s rhythms. Being highly adaptable will not only save your cortisol levels, but happens to be a valuable quality in the workforce.
I’ve linked a few of the projects I’ve completed this quarter, but if I had to recommend just one for you to to check out, it’s my thought piece. I talk extensively about the US pharmaceutical industry and its deceitful target on women. I’m so passionate about educating both women and men on the importance of medical advocacy and informed consent. It’s my favorite piece I’ve ever written, and I’m so grateful for the feedback I’ve received on it. If you do read it, thank you! I’m hoping to write something similar (maybe a part 2, or maybe a totally separate topic?) in the next few months. Here it is!
Overmedicating Our Women: the Misinformation No One Wants to Acknowledge
In preparation for the next 4 months, I’ve selected a custom set of modules to complete. I’m very much looking forward to my picks, and I will talk more about months 2-4 later on in my newsletter. However, throughout the month of October (my first module), I will be dialing in on my photography business! If you know me (or have read the About tab on this website), you know my photography business was somewhat of an accidental launch. I wasn’t expecting anything serious to come of it, and I certainly was not prepared for the response I’ve received! My goal this month is to build strong managerial business skills, and set up a robust framework to build upon over the next 5, 10, or however many years I spend in the photo industry. I’ll work on building out a new website specifically for Ani Drew Photo, elevating my social media presence, creating a budget/timeline for an upcoming equipment purchase ( 🤭), and possibly pursuing an LLC. I am ecstatic to be investing so much time (and money) into my business this fall, and I am so looking forward to seeing the fruit of my labor in 2024.
That’s all I have for y’all today! August and September have been hugely challenging, but so rewarding. I’m pumped to finish out these final months of 2023 feeling so much more excited and equipped for life than when I started out. Happy October, friends. Thanks for reading. You’re the best!
Ani 🖤
