Success isn’t the only thing that makes a life

It’s been a busy week for Boring as we work on our new free course Introduction to Online Business. Waitlist here if you want it 😏

We’ve been working hard and nothing else seems to matter; which IS important when you need to focus on your business or a big project. 

You should have minimal distractions and other commitments to stay focused.  

But sometimes I get so wrapped up in “being successful” and “proving myself” that I forget about all the other important factors in being a human. 

I heard a great quote from the last chapter of How to Steal Like an Artist. 

It was something like this “Focus more on being a good person who is also an artist, rather than a good artist.”

And it really made me think about how easy it is to lose yourself in the pursuit of greatness. 

This isn’t a Thimothée Chalamet "I want to be one of the greats” moments. 

But more of a Penelope Stephens “Don’t forget about the little things” moment. 

Money, business and being successful are ALLOWED to be put at the forefront of your life. 

Don’t be ashamed if you want to be wealthy and successful. I do too. 

But don’t forget there is so much else in life that can make you happy. 

Friends, family, pets, cooking, dancing, singing in the shower, a new ice cream flavour, a friendly dog, morning coffee, making art for the sake of it, a long cry, being kind to strangers, a good book, a long hug, giving your neighbour a homemade dish, giving anyone a compliment…

These are the things that makeup life. Not the zeros in your bank account. 

Don’t roll your eyes because yes, money does solve 90% of everyday problems. I know this. 

But money can’t hug you back, ask how your day was or bake cookies with you. 

Money may make you smile but it will never smile back at you. 

Maybe I’m feeling homesick because I just got an email from my dad that made me miss him. 

Or maybe I’m feeling a bit sad because I’m yet to make friends in my new home in Bangkok. 

She’s an emotional one today (me and the email). 😭

I want you to make sure you’re taking in those moments in life while you work hard. 

Moments like…

Giving your parents a hug because I wish I could hug mine right now. Taking your dog for a walk because it's his favourite part of the day. Calling your grandma because she has some great stories to tell you. Baking cookies with your housemates because you won’t be living together forever. Telling your partner you love them because they will appreciate it. And never taking good friends for granted - they are few and far between. 

Finally, wear your fkn heart on your sleeve; Say what you mean and do the things you want to do in life. 

Life’s too short to not stop and smell the roses. 

Take a moment. 

Take a look around at all the incredible things we have in this life. 

With so much love, 
Penelope  
XOXO