Hello changemakers 👋

lately everyone around me was telling me I should totally visit the Frans Hals exhibition at the Rijksmuseum and, since my parents were visiting me in Amsterdam this weekend, we took the chance to go there. I was really fascinated by Hals' portraits. With their loose brushstrokes and pops of vibrant colour they are instantly recognizable. And what truly struck me was how his artistic style was so different from other contemporary artists of his time.

This got me thinking about most people’s journeys of self-improvement. We often chase after someone else's success, replicating their routines, habits, and maybe even their wardrobe (you probably know someone who had a Steve Jobs turtleneck phase). But just like Hals, there's beauty in finding your own unique "artistic style" when it comes to self-improvement.

From Copying to Creating: Finding Your Strengths

As I understand, Hals wasn't born a master of his now famous loose brushstrokes. He experimented with different techniques, studied other artists, and eventually found what resonated most with him, what allowed him to best capture his subjects.

In the same way, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to self-improvement. What works wonders for your colleague or the famous Youtuber of the moment might leave you feeling burnt out.

The key is to identify your strengths and preferences. Are you an early bird who thrives on morning routines? Or a night owl who gets his creative juices flowing when everyone is sleeping? Do you learn best through hands-on experience or by devouring books and articles?

By understanding your strengths and preferred approaches, you can craft a personalized roadmap for self-improvement, one that leverages your unique style to propel you forward.

The 5-minute rule doesn't work for you? Try something else! Maybe setting a timer for 25-minute focused work sessions with short breaks in between, also known as the Pomodoro Technique, is a better fit for your concentration style.

Embrace the Imperfect Masterpiece: Experimentation is Key

Hals' paintings aren't perfect. From what I read in the exhibition, art historians can often see the "hidden layers" beneath the final masterpiece – earlier brushstrokes, adjustments, and maybe even happy accidents. This messy process is part of the artistic journey.

Self-improvement is similar. There will be stumbles, false starts, and moments where you feel like you're two steps back. But just like Hals, view these as opportunities to experiment, iterate, and refine your approach. Embrace the "messy middle" and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and strategies.

Your Signature Style: A Work in Progress

Hals' artistic style continued to evolve throughout his career. He never became stagnant, and you can see how his last paintings, while still keep his signature loose brushstrokes, are clearly different from his early work.

Remember, your approach to self-improvement is a work in progress too. As you learn and grow, your ideal strategies and techniques might change. The key is to embrace this constant evolution and keep searching for your own unique "signature style" of self-improvement.

So, this week, take a step back and reflect on your self-improvement journey. What unique strengths and preferences do you bring to the table? By embracing your individuality, you can create your own masterpiece – the best possible version of yourself. Wishing you a week filled with self-discovery and growth,

Cheers,

Ignasi 🚀

Question of the week 🤔

What areas of self-improvement are you currently focusing on? Have you been mimicking someone else's approach, or are you starting to identify what works best for you?

Is there any specific topic you’d like me to cover in the upcoming newsletter issue? Let me know by replying to this e-mail!

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