Embrace Your Inner Child: Why I Quit my 9 to 5 — Snow Huo

Embrace Your Inner Child: Why I Quit my 9 to 5 — Snow Huo

Life is short. We often hear this phrase, but it's not until we truly understand the brevity of our existence that its meaning hits us. On average, a human being lives only 30,000 days, a mere fraction of the universe's current lifespan. When we subtract the time spent with our parents before college, as well as time dedicated to sleeping, eating, and exercising, we are left with a mere 10,400 days. That's just 28 years. If you knew you had only 28 years left to live, how would you spend them?

In our pursuit of success, we often prioritize money over time. We sacrifice our precious moments in the belief that financial wealth equates to fulfillment. However, money can be earned back, but time is a non-renewable resource. We must come to the realization that success should not be defined solely by monetary gain. It's about finding a path that aligns with our true selves and brings us a sense of purpose.

I was reminded of a Ted talk by Scott Dinsmore titled "How to Find Work You Love." In his talk, Dinsmore asks, "Is this how you are going to spend the rest of your life? Have you tried your best to figure out who you are and why you exist?" These questions resonate deeply. We must pay attention to our inner child, for it knows us best. What are the things we would regret not doing on our deathbed? How do we want to be remembered?

It's easy to get caught up in the societal expectations and the allure of a stable 9 to 5 job. But there comes a point when we realize that following someone else's dream will never truly fulfill us. We must embrace our inner child and pursue our own passions and dreams. Life is too short to work on someone else's terms.

Now, let's shift our focus to note-taking apps and their role in our quest for knowledge and insights. We live in an era where we are collecting an overwhelming amount of data. However, note-taking apps, in their current form, are more focused on storage than on sparking meaningful insights.

We often find ourselves drowning in a sea of information, unable to make sense of it all. These apps lack the ability to connect the dots and help us draw meaningful conclusions. While AI-powered tools can assist in summarizing information, we can't fully trust these summaries without delving into the relevant documents ourselves. The purpose of note-taking is not merely to accumulate information but to engage in active thinking.

The problem lies in our constant multitasking and our inability to devote uninterrupted time to build knowledge and make connections. We are constantly switching between various apps, such as email, messaging platforms, and social networks. Our attention is fragmented, hindering our ability to think deeply and form insights.

Perhaps what we need is a next-generation note-taking tool that allows for seamless integration with other apps and offers a chat interface. A database that we can talk to, where we can have a conversation with our own knowledge and ideas, might be the solution we've been waiting for.

However, we must remember that software alone cannot improve our thinking. Even with the most advanced tools, the act of thinking is an active pursuit that requires undivided attention and periods of contemplation. Staring into space, writing, and allowing our minds to wander are essential parts of the thinking process. It's a process that resists automation and cannot be rushed.

Andy Matuschak, a noted researcher on notes and note-taking, emphasizes that the goal should not be to simply take notes but to think effectively. The key is to develop practices that foster insights over time and to shepherd our attention effectively. We must prioritize deep thinking over mindless accumulation of information.

In conclusion, embracing our inner child and pursuing our passions is crucial in living a fulfilling life. Time is our most precious resource, and we must use it wisely. Additionally, we should approach note-taking with a focus on effective thinking rather than simply accumulating data. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to incorporate into your life:

1. Reflect on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Consider how you would spend your time if you only had a limited number of years left. Embrace your inner child and pursue your passions with unwavering dedication.

2. Prioritize deep thinking and contemplation. Set aside uninterrupted time to allow your mind to wander, write, and make connections. Avoid the constant multitasking that hinders our ability to think deeply.

3. Seek out tools and practices that enhance your thinking process. While note-taking apps can be useful for organization, remember that true insights come from active thinking. Find ways to develop insights over time and shepherd your attention effectively.

Remember, life is short, and it's up to us to make the most of the time we have. Embrace your inner child, think deeply, and pursue a life that brings you joy and fulfillment.