Lessons Learned in July


#007- 31 July 2024

SORA'S NEWSLETTER

Hey friends,

A lot happened this month.

I feel like I’ve leveled up mentally and physically.

So in today’s letter, I share 3 lessons learned from my experiences that can help bring your mental game forward.

Sign up for something you aren’t ready for

In early June, I signed up for a half marathon that took place in July 21st.

I could barely run 2k straight when I signed up.

I also only had exactly under 6 weeks to prepare for it.

The plan was to increase my running distance each week.

I showed up as much as possible but didn’t reach any of my weekly running distance goals.

As the weeks flew by and it got closer to race day,

  • My self-doubt grew
  • My worries skyrocketed
  • I kept thinking about quitting

I also found out I had Covid a few days before the race.

(No wonder why I was super tired and it never felt like I wasn’t recovering from any of my workouts.)

Fast forward to race day

I showed up.

With covid.

I ran with a dry throat now and then and always had a tissue at hand to deal with my leaky nose.

I watched people run farther I could no longer see them.

I continued to doubt myself for more than half the run.

But I kept putting one foot in front of the other.

The result?

I made it to the end.

Despite a sore af body, dry throat, and a runny nose!

Please note: I am in no way encouraging you to run while you're sick. It's important to listen to your body and prioritize your health. I also took precautions and did my best to minimize contact with others by keeping my distance.

The lesson

I learned that there’s a limit your mind will set for you.

And it’s entirely up to you to go the distance.

Sometimes, you just have to go out there, find out what you’re capable of and prove your head wrong.

Find a way to recharge

Shay and I live in a city. So, it can be quite noisy with frequent views of the hustle and traffic.

The race took place in a rural region two hours away from home in the Hunter Valley region of NSW, Australia.

We stayed at an Airbnb 15 minutes away from the race venue for two nights.

We had little to no access to the internet, which forced us not to use our phones.

We saw a lot of green and way fewer cars.

Driving was peaceful.

I didn't have time to sneak it any work.

I got to do more of one of my favorite things: capturing moments.

Thanks to the change in environment and pace, we felt recharged and rested.

Yes, even after we did a long run 2-3 hour run and our bodies were super sore after race day.

This change of pace and scenery helped us start the next week happier and more energized.

The lesson

If most of your days are work-related or everything seems mundane.

Or if you feel you're constantly trying to be productive...

Consider getting a recharge.

Make the time to do something you don't usually do.

Give yourself a rest day.

Visit a new place with the opposite pace.

Go for a hike.

Or, start running.

Say "no" sooner

I've been feeling overwhelmed in the past months, but it was because I kept adding things to my plate.

I went for things I thought I needed.

Like how we buy things we think we need.

So this July, I said no to things that didn’t align with me

  • A coaching program,
  • Client work that isn’t worth my head space and time right now (yes, even for the money I could have gotten)
  • Overworking myself when I needed rest

In saying no

  • You’re telling yourself you respect yourself enough to let go
  • The more you do it, the more you get better at it
  • You get more data about yourself

The lesson

I wish I had known this earlier, but the thing about saying no is to do it sooner than later.

Especially with the things that no longer serve you.

Or things you think you need, but don't.

It helps reduce mental clutter and frees up your time faster.

As a result, you get to do more of what matters.

Whether that's doing things that move the needle or giving yourself the rest you need.

Say no more and faster.


You can reply to this email and share your thoughts, lessons, or anything that inspired you this week.

Your friend,

Sora

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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Sora Khan

Multi-passionate creative learning to create a life outside the 9-5 and break past limiting beliefs. I share what I learn as I build my freelance business and make content on the internet.

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