Chapter 1: The Importance of Meaningful Activities

Living a life filled with purpose can prevent disappointment.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

"As a well-spent day leads to restful sleep, so a life well-lived leads to peaceful death."

— Leonardo da Vinci

During my teenage years, I was quite the slacker. Whenever I had free time, I would remain indoors for hours, engrossed in “Football Manager” while the television buzzed in the background. My only breaks were for quick snacks before diving back into a game that consumed my existence.

After long summer days spent in my room, I would achieve milestones in the game, only to be left feeling hollow. All that effort, yet it was just numbers on a screen, leaving me unsatisfied.

It took several years and a firm push to realign my priorities. Somehow, I managed to transition from high school to university, and that’s where my perspective shifted.

I found myself among peers who seemed to have clear objectives and determination. I felt out of place, realizing how much I had squandered my earlier years. The time I wasted was now demanding my attention, and I knew I had to work hard to catch up.

The following four years were intense. I dedicated many days to studying for 12 hours, meticulously organizing every moment to maximize my productivity. Weekends were spent in the library, tackling books I should have read long ago. I often fell asleep at my desk, cramming for exams or completing papers due the next day.

Despite the challenges, the effort paid off. I graduated with honors in Chinese Studies and earned a scholarship for a master’s program at a prestigious institution in China, leading me to relocate to Shanghai for two transformative years.

For someone from a small Eastern European nation, this was a life-altering opportunity. My experiences in Shanghai were unforgettable; I met people from diverse backgrounds, traveled across China, celebrated, engaged in discussions, and broadened my horizons.

This time at university ignited my passion for writing. Upon returning to Bulgaria, I secured a lucrative job that allowed me to nurture my writing aspirations on the side.

Had I continued spending my days playing “Football Manager,” such opportunities would have eluded me. Reflecting on the hours I dedicated to both gaming and studying, I realized the stark contrast in outcomes. One path led to stagnation while the other propelled me toward success.

Through a series of fortunate events and years of diligent work, I learned a vital lesson: it’s crucial to fill our days with activities that have purpose.

If you end each day feeling that your time was well spent, life will rarely let you down. Take one step in the right direction daily and witness the transformation in your life.

But what does that right direction look like?

Consider this question:

If today were my final day on Earth, would I be satisfied with how I spent it?

If your answer is yes, then you are likely on the right track.

Chapter 2: Filling Your Days with Intent

This video discusses how to fill your days with meaning, encouraging you to engage in activities that resonate with your values and passions.