Transform Your Commute: 3 Life Lessons for Personal Growth
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Chapter 1: The Commute Experience
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I was accepted into Boston University. My initial year consisted of virtual classes, which, while challenging, spared me from the weekly commutes to Boston. However, as in-person classes resumed, I faced a choice: either drive to Boston weekly or take the train (or bus). I opted for the train, as it was more convenient. Those two hours traveling from Connecticut to Boston could be transformed into productive time for reading, writing, and unwinding.
My experiences on the train have imparted three valuable lessons about life that I wish to share. You may find them relatable or not; that's perfectly fine. These reflections are personal insights rather than conventional advice.
Section 1.1: Commitment to Self — Discipline
To reach your aspirations, cultivating self-discipline is crucial. To ensure I arrived at campus on time, I had to catch the 5 a.m. train. This meant rising by 4 a.m. to reach the station punctually; even a five-minute delay could result in missing the train.
Sleep is indeed sweet, but preparation is key. This required organizing my affairs the night before to avoid last-minute chaos. Without a strong sense of discipline and a commitment to it, achieving one's goals becomes incredibly difficult. Discipline permeates all aspects of life—be it career, education, relationships, or finances. Plato, in his work "Republic," emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, stating, “Self-discipline is the control of the worse by the better, without rebelliousness on the part of the worse.” He believed mastering oneself is the greatest victory of all.
It's essential to recognize that our bodies naturally gravitate toward comfort, often avoiding challenges. The choice is yours on which path to pursue.
Section 1.2: Seizing Every Opportunity
Opportunities manifest differently for everyone and at various stages. I consistently board the train at Union Station in New Haven, Connecticut. However, this train originates from Washington DC, passing through New York before reaching Boston South Station. The fellow passengers may have boarded at different locations, each having spent varying hours on the train.
Many of these passengers seem to spend their travel time sleeping. While rest is important, it’s worth considering how those hours could be utilized more productively. I chose to dedicate that time to final readings and writing. Admittedly, if I had no pressing tasks, I might have also succumbed to sleep!
Remember, lost time cannot be reclaimed; it is gone forever.
Section 1.3: Recognizing Your Destination
When purchasing tickets, we indicate both our starting point and destination. This represents our goal! As the train halts at various stations, some passengers disembark while others board. The fulfillment of one person's goals often coincides with another's journey beginning—it's crucial to recognize when you have arrived at your destination.
As the saying goes, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will lead you there.”
Final Thoughts
The next time you board a train or bus, reflect on my journey from New Haven to Boston and remember that every experience happens for a reason. I hope you found value in this article, and I encourage you to explore my other writings.
This video explores the hidden costs associated with daily commutes and how they can impact your life and finances.
Discover ways to make the most of your commute time, turning what is often seen as wasted time into opportunities for growth and productivity.