Reply To: Exercise 1: Initiative Personal Essay
I often find myself procrastinating, especially when it comes to writing.
Writing feels challenging for me because I struggle to gather and express my thoughts clearly and turn them into something meaningful. It typically takes me hours or even days to write a short essay. I believe my procrastination is a result of both fear and laziness—the fear of failing and a lack of clarity discourage me from trying new things. Perhaps I lack a curious mindset.
I have always wanted to start or build something from scratch to experience the sense of ownership, but the absence of clear ideas and not knowing where to start have held me back. After attending a Columbia Alumni Career Coach office hour, I heard Josh mention helping others start their own projects, so I reached out to him for inspiration and advice. He introduced me to his book, Initiative. After reading the first few chapters, I realized that anyone can start their own projects without specific ideas, as long as they take the initiative. I am very eager to learn more about the tools and mindset needed to stay focused, take charge of my own projects, and be responsible.
Taking initiative is the biggest first step that brings me closer to my goal. Without taking this step, I remain at my original starting point. For instance, I have thought of opening an instagram page to share about my hotel experiences for fun or starting a project to improve the healthcare system. While I have these thoughts on my mind, I did not take any action to operationalize it. I am still at step zero.
Taking initiative demonstrates my interests and commitment to myself and others by showing that I am proactively making things happen. Whether the outcome is what I expect or not, I am taking the step to create something new or make an impact.
I am eager to improve the U.S. healthcare system by leveraging technology to make it more effective and accessible. I am interested in speaking with startup founders and advisors such as Amanda Goltz, Justin Norden, and Jane Wang to learn how they stay curious and understand their vision. In my field, influential figures like former President Obama, Melinda Gates, and Dean Fried from the Mailman School of Public Health have significantly impacted healthcare policy and operations. Additionally, I admire role models like Steve Jobs, Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg for their resilience and unwavering commitment to their values and beliefs.
Besides starting my own project, I want to take the initiative to improve myself, particularly in time management, and to excel in fulfilling my roles. Taking a course like this is valuable because it provides the guidance and peer support needed to hold me accountable for starting my project. I will have no excuses for not taking action. The course will offer encouragement and help me overcome my fear of trying and overthinking. I aim to be more independent and proactive. Additionally, it’s a great way for me to develop the habit of writing reflections, which will support my continued growth and improvement.