"Don't manage time, manage focus" | Savinda Ranathunga | TEDxThammasatU

Summary

The speaker reflects on the common challenge of setting and achieving New Year's resolutions, revealing that 92% are typically unsuccessful. Drawing from personal experiences, they share a journey of financial management and self-sustainability, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's goals. The talk transitions into a broader life philosophy, advocating for an 'Eightfold Path' approach to personal growth, which includes education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. The key takeaway is the importance of personal integrity, self-discipline, and daily focus management to progress towards long-term dreams.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Setting New Year resolutions is common, but achieving them is rare with only 8% success rate.
• 📊 Personal financial management can be improved by tracking expenses and identifying spending patterns.
• 💪 Achieving goals requires understanding the underlying challenges and consistently working on them.
• 🎯 Small, consistent actions and adjustments can lead to significant improvements over time.
• 📝 Personal management tools can vary; they should be tailored to individual preferences like tracking expenses, journaling, or using creative outlets.
• 🔍 Financial management is not just about money; it involves aligning finances with personal values, dreams, and aspirations.
• 🤝 Building a supportive community and network is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• 🌱 Holistic growth involves focusing on multiple aspects of life including education, entrepreneurship, and relationships.
• ✨ Everyday actions, even small gestures, can contribute to overall happiness and a sense of purpose.
• 📅 Treating every day like the first of January can motivate continuous improvement and goal achievement.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the challenges of setting and achieving New Year's resolutions and personal goals, with a focus on personal financial management and overall life growth.

What percentage of New Year's resolutions are typically not successful, according to the research mentioned in the script?

According to the research done by Scranton University in the US mentioned in the script, 92 percent of New Year's resolutions are not successfully achieved.

What was the speaker's goal in 2009 and how did it relate to personal finance?

The speaker's goal in 2009 was related to personal financial management, aiming to ensure that they were managing their finances in the best and most effective way, as they often found themselves running out of cash at the end of the month.

How did the speaker initially approach the challenge of managing personal finances?

The speaker initially approached the challenge by taking a piece of paper and starting to record what they were spending every day and what their sources of income were, and then analyzing these records to understand spending patterns.

What was the speaker's realization about the role of finance in achieving life goals?

The speaker realized that finance is not just a standalone aspect but is interconnected with who you are and what you want to be, including your dreams, visions, missions, and aspirations.

What are the three pillars of success that the speaker set for themselves?

The three pillars of success the speaker set for themselves are education, entrepreneurship, and networks.

What concept did the speaker discover that helped them think about their future in a more holistic way?

The speaker discovered the concept of the 'We Love Life' approach, which is a life cycle approach that focuses on overall and all-round growth in life, including relationships, health, and activities that one aspires to achieve.

What is the speaker's daily question before going to sleep, and why is it important?

The speaker's daily question before going to sleep is whether they made at least one person in the world happier because they exist. This question is important as it reflects their mission of helping other communities and people around them.

What is the significance of the small act of smiling at the person who prepares breakfast packs in the speaker's story?

The small act of smiling at the person who prepares breakfast packs is significant because it represents the speaker's belief in making a positive impact on others' lives in a small way, contributing to their overall growth and sense of community.

What are the two most fundamental ingredients for success according to the speaker's experience?

According to the speaker, the two most fundamental ingredients for success are personal integrity and self-discipline.

How does the speaker use a personal management tool to track their progress and what does it include?

The speaker uses a personal management tool to track their day-to-day expenses and focuses on the Eightfold Path of life. It includes categories for spending, daily focuses, and an analysis of achievements and targets over time.