The Bigger Picture

Yusri Kardo -

Table of contents:

What is the bigger picture?

The bigger picture is the culmination of your life's journey—your final destination. It's essential to ask yourself: Where do I want to end up? This question is more than just a passing thought; it’s a vital consideration that shapes your decisions and the direction of your life. Without a clear vision of where you're going, you risk arriving somewhere you’ll regret.

In a powerful moment from the TV show Snowfall, Franklin Saint finds himself in a heated argument with his past self about the decisions that led him to his current position in life. This scene serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of planning ahead. It reinforces the need to formulate a clear vision of your future and take deliberate steps to ensure that when you reach your destination, it’s where you truly want to be.

The key to avoiding future regret is preparation. Rather than reacting to life's challenges as they arise, the best course of action is to analyze, anticipate, and plan. By doing so, you can ensure that when your future self looks back, they won’t be arguing with you—they’ll be thanking you for the decisions you made.

Different areas of life to consider:

Here are some key areas I have focused on in my own life to ensure that my future self will be grateful for the path I’m taking:

  1. Readiness for Bad Times
    Bad things will happen—this is an unavoidable truth. What’s important is how you prepare for them. I make it a priority to have safeguards in place—whether financial, emotional, or personal—to handle life’s challenges. Being prepared helps minimize the impact of unforeseen setbacks.
  2. Self-Investment
    Investing in myself is the most important thing I can do. By improving my own skills, mindset, and self-belief, I become better not only for myself but also for those around me. The key is to continually identify areas where I can grow and work on improving those aspects to stay on track with my goals.
  3. Study
    Whether in school or in life, the ability to interpret and respond quickly is crucial. This applies especially when answering questions on exams or solving problems in daily life. I’ve committed to developing a system of study and preparation that enables me to approach challenges with clarity and efficiency.
  4. Work
    At work, I focus on areas such as speed, efficiency, attention to detail, and communication. Identifying and addressing areas for improvement is crucial to providing value to my team and advancing in my career. Continuous self-assessment and improvement ensure that I remain a key contributor.
  5. Physical & Mental Health
    Regular physical activity, particularly sports, has been a cornerstone of maintaining my mental and physical health. It provides a break from daily stress and keeps me in shape. Sports have taught me how to focus and identify areas of improvement that apply not only to my game but also to other areas of my life, such as work and personal development.
  6. Relationships
    After reflecting on the importance of relationships, I’ve decided to leave this area of my life somewhat open-ended for now. I’m focusing on personal growth and achieving my goals before diving into long-term commitments like family. Relationships are important, but they will come at the right time.
  7. Family
    My family is central to my life, and I aim to continue improving myself to support them in meaningful ways. Specifically, I plan to assist my brother with his academic pursuits in the coming years. I believe that helping him through his challenges will not only strengthen our bond but also contribute to my own personal growth.
  8. House & Finances
    While I’m not focused on purchasing a house right now, I do understand the importance of financial planning. My goal is to save diligently in my first year out of study and lay the groundwork for future financial security.
  9. Sports
    Sports continue to be a major focus. I am dedicated to improving my skills, including my confidence, self-belief, and technical abilities. Whether it’s positioning, awareness, or specific techniques like shooting and passing, I want to be a strong contributor to my team. This requires constant effort and personal growth.
  10. Setting Goals
    Goal-setting is critical. I’ve learned that having clear, defined objectives is the first step in creating a meaningful life. To support these goals, I rely on planning tools like calendars and actionable steps. Execution is everything, and it requires a commitment to daily progress.

This Month: Building a Strong Foundation

This month, my focus is on laying a solid foundation for the future. I’m committed to making every moment count, not taking time for granted, and ensuring that I’m building the necessary skills, habits, and mindset to achieve my long-term goals. It's not about waiting for opportunities to come to me; it’s about taking proactive steps and executing on my plans, day in and day out.

Life is a journey that requires effort, persistence, and self-discipline. It’s often lonely, but the rewards of hard work and dedication will be more fulfilling than a life filled with distractions and empty pursuits. The road may be tough, but it’s the only one that leads to true fulfillment.

Quote of the Month

“Do you have the power to get up from under you?"

This powerful question challenges us to find the strength to rise above adversity, take control of our lives, and continue moving forward even when things get tough.

Comments Section

What steps are you taking to create the future you want? How are you preparing to look back at your life with pride and gratitude? Share your thoughts below.