I Want to Do a Better Job Today Than I Did Yesterday
I can’t believe I’m writing my first newsletter of the year on January 20th. But here we are. There’s something about the holiday season that makes you want to split your time between having fun and the other half rotting away in bed or on a couch somewhere; and honestly, that’s exactly how my holiday went.
Failing. Falling
I spent half of my two-week Christmas break sick in bed with the flu, and the other half playing tour guide in Manchester with my dear friend who came all the way from Canada. We had such a great time exploring the city that, when the holiday ended, I found myself reluctant to go back to work. And between being sick and playing tourist in my own city, I never got a proper chance to recover from the stress of the year.
I used that as my excuse for weeks to justify why I hadn’t written this newsletter yet, but today I decided: enough is enough.
The thing about building habits is that consistency is non-negotiable. You also need to be aware of the cues that let you slip back into old patterns. So, here I am, kicking myself into gear to bring you this week’s word.
And guess what? The craziest thing happened, once I started typing, I just couldn’t stop. Writing these little messages isn’t just about connecting with you, my dearest gentle reader. It’s about speaking to myself, too.
Like I’ve always said, this platform is for us to grow together. #HappyHealthyWealthy is the key.
I and My Friend at the Quays
Taking Back Control
Speaking of getting my act together… I’ve always told myself (and anyone who would listen) that I cannot read non-fiction. Yet, in the past three months, I’ve devoured over seven fantasy novels, each one over a thousand pages long. But somehow, finishing a single non-fiction or self-help book feels like an impossible task.
To put it into perspective: the average non-fiction book has about 50,000–80,000 words. Meanwhile, the fantasy author I’ve been reading writes 200,000 to 400,000 words per book. That means I’ve read over 2 million words in the past three months, the equivalent of 32 self-help books!
Don’t get me wrong, reading fiction is amazing. It enhances cognitive development, sparks creativity, and offers a diverse perspective on the world. But let’s face it, most of us don’t read fiction to learn or improve ourselves; we do it for entertainment. And while that’s not inherently bad, it raises a question: how is the time we spend consuming stories or binge-watching series, or endlessly scrolling, serving us in the long run?
Imagine if I had spent those months reading 32 self-help books instead. How much more focused and well-rounded could I be right now?
Today, I decided to challenge myself. I picked up a non-fiction book and finished three chapters out of ten. The point is this: push yourself to do things you’ve convinced yourself you can’t do.
“I’m not good at math.”
“I don’t have a head for business.”
“I’m not very technical.”
These aren’t facts. They’re excuses. Beliefs you’ve repeated so many times that they’ve become part of your identity. But here’s the truth: there is nothing you’re incapable of. Absolutely nothing.
So let this be your reminder. The only thing standing in your way is you.
Hey there! I’m Oyin, also known as YorubaChic. I'm a lifestyle creator and culture enthusiast based in Manchester. I share a mix of culture, lifestyle, motherhood and more—offering insights, tips, and stories to inspire your modern, vibrant life. Join 500+ subscribers, enjoy exclusive perks and stay connected with the growing community.
