Lessons from Yesterdays: Etiquette and Productivity

Yesterdays can be kernel-packed with lessons, whether they be about table manners, productivity, or personal growth. I've had a couple of significant realizations that I want to share with you. One involved my sis's recent school trip, where they learned about eating etiquette, and the other was my own attempt at reducing sleep to increase productivity.

The Art of Dining Etiquette in Fine Dining Restaurants

Yesterday, my sis recounted her lessons on dining etiquette while at a 5-star hotel during a school trip. They were particularly focused on using spoons and forks elegantly, noting that often, even in high-end restaurants, people overlook the basics of table manners. This reminded me of an incident from a few months ago, when they were on a school trip to popular cities like Delhi and Manali, and stayed in a 5-star restaurant. The school emphasized the importance of proper dining etiquette, teaching students about the nuances of using different cutlery such as spoons.

The picture above, interestingly enough, showcases what was taught. For instance, how to properly hold the spoon and when and how to use it. This wasn't just about fancy dining; it was educational, as knowing such details can make a significant impact on your dining experience and impression on others. Interestingly, I agree with the school's approach. Learning about such etiquettes can indeed be helpful in future social and professional settings.

However, the question remains, should we accept everything we learn, even if it goes against our personal beliefs? For instance, my grandma used to say, 'God has given us five fingers; we must eat with them, they are more than any spoon or fork.' This beautifully encapsulates the idea that while table manners are important, sometimes our personal beliefs should be prioritized.

Lessons from Sleep Deprivation and Adaptation

Transitioning from school-related learning to a personal growth lesson, let’s discuss the impact of sleep on productivity. I've always been fascinated by individuals who manage to sleep less, turning this into a virtue to maximize productivity. Inspired by these individuals, I decided to experiment with my own sleep schedule, aiming to cut down from 7 hours to just 6 hours. This decision, however, backfired severely. Instead of becoming more productive, I felt constantly tired and exhausted throughout the day. The lesson here is clear: my body needed more sleep than I thought, and cutting it short was not the right approach.

It’s crucial to understand that our bodies and minds require sufficient rest to function optimally. The past few days of accumulated sleep deprivation had to be compensated for, and as a result, I slept more than usual yesterday. This experience taught me the importance of not compromising on sleep, as it is vital for proper functioning. Each of us has a unique optimal sleep schedule, and it’s important to prioritize this for our overall well-being and productivity.

Secondly, when trying to benefit from something that might not be suitable for us, we might end up with suboptimal outcomes. One example from yesterday was my decision to focus on reading less about communication skills and learning a new language like French. I thought this would directly benefit my professional growth. Instead, I chose to learn a new coding language that would enhance my value in the job market and reflect directly on my earnings. This change in focus, rather than continuing with the established plan, may be more beneficial for my current goals and circumstances.

Conclusion and Takeaways

These experiences, albeit minor, have significant lessons for personal and professional growth. Learning from our yesterdays, we can adapt better to new challenges and make informed decisions. Whether it's improving dining etiquette or balancing sleep and productivity, the key is to learn and then make adjustments that suit our personal needs.

If you found these insights helpful, please do upvote! And keep supporting the effort. Until next time, stay inspired and keep learning.