GitBook: 100 Days of Swimming Habit Building
Turning Setbacks into Comebacks
In the relentless pursuit of career success, setbacks like job rejections can sting uniquely. For many, this journey isn’t just about seeking employment; it’s a profound test of resilience and self-discovery. As someone who has faced numerous job rejections over the past two years, I’ve learned that overcoming these challenges is paved with more than just perseverance — it’s about holistically integrating personal wellness into our professional lives.
For those of us in technical product management, the pressure isn’t only about landing a job but excelling in a highly competitive field. While the rejection emails are discouraging, they also offer a rare opportunity for self-reflection and growth. In these moments of vulnerability, our true potential can begin to surface, not despite these setbacks but because of them.
Amidst these professional challenges, I’ve embraced the One Meal a Day (OMAD) diet as a testament to my commitment to personal wellness. Adapting to OMAD hasn’t just been about dietary changes; it’s a transformative experience that has reshaped my daily routine. Integrating this diet required a foundational shift in my lifestyle, particularly in how I manage my evenings — once a time of unstructured leisure, now a period dedicated to nurturing my mind and body through meditation, reading, and engaging in hobbies that enhance my well-being.
This shift towards a structured evening routine has significantly impacted my life, creating space where I’m less tempted to deviate from my diet and more inclined to invest in activities that contribute to my personal and professional development. For those evenings when the cravings seem overpowering, I’ve found that redirecting my focus to productive and fulfilling activities can make all the difference. This approach supports my dietary goals and reinforces my professional endeavors by enhancing my focus and productivity.
Moreover, the journey through job rejections and dietary transformations has taught me the invaluable skill of habit formation. Establishing good habits, particularly in personal health and professional growth, is akin to laying bricks for your future self. Every day, with each small but consistent action, I am building a stronger, more resilient version of myself, capable of facing and embracing the challenges that come my way.
Indeed, the correlation between personal wellness and professional success cannot be overstated. As technical product managers, our job is not just to manage products but to manage ourselves — our time, our energy, and our health. By prioritizing wellness, we equip ourselves with the clarity and vitality needed to perform at our best. This holistic approach ensures that we are functional and thriving in our roles.
For anyone navigating similar challenges, remember that your professional journey is deeply intertwined with your health. Embrace wellness as a core component of your professional development. Whether it’s sticking to a diet, refining your evening routine, or simply taking time to decompress, these are not just supplementary activities but integral to your success.
In pursuit of my first 100 followers on Medium, I aim to share insights into product management and offer a glimpse into the life of someone who is actively balancing professional aspirations with personal health goals. My content is crafted to inspire and encourage others in my field to consider how they can enhance their lives through similar practices.
This journey of balancing wellness with professional aspirations is a complex one. It’s complex and challenging yet profoundly rewarding. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to view their setbacks not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to greater resilience and success. Whether you’re facing job rejections or struggling to maintain a new diet, the key is to remain committed to your overall growth — because when you change how you live, you change how you work.
Let this be a call to action for all who read this: embrace your challenges, integrate wellness into your life, and watch as your professional path transforms. Let’s turn our setbacks into comebacks, using every rejection as fuel to propel us forward, not with bitterness but with betterment and a renewed sense of purpose.
