We Always Have a Way to Open the Next Door in Life
The situations described in the book are very realistic. Like most people, the author works from 9 AM to 5 PM, spending three hours commuting daily. After work, they pick up their child from daycare, and by the time they get home, it’s already 7 PM. At home, they need to care for the child, prepare dinner, feed the baby, breastfeed, bathe the child, do laundry, and prepare items needed for daycare the next day...
In such circumstances, how can one find time to study for English proficiency tests? How can one prepare application materials for schools? After being accepted, how can one manage both raising a child and returning to campus to study, even successfully graduating?
As Long As You Can Still Smile, You Can Keep Moving Forward
"In fact, I belong to the type that tries not to overexert myself whether at work, caring for my child, or doing housework. I simply strive for consistency. Of course, I devote myself seriously to everything I do, sometimes even forgetting to eat or sleep. While I focus deeply, I don't become obsessed. When things don't go smoothly, I can still think, 'This isn't too bad either.'"
Increase the Density of Time, and Life Will Become Richer
Everyone has the same one minute, but some can make that one minute far more effective — we might call it "time value." For instance, in a factory, maximizing productivity increases the value of time. But from a human perspective, sometimes taking a break to enjoy family life is also a way to maximize the value of that period.
Mindset Adjustment: Change your perception of one minute — don't just think about the "output" created, but about the "value" generated in that time.
Manage Time Using the Big Rocks and Small Rocks Concept
Big rocks refer to the "must-do tasks," such as studying abroad preparations, work, family, friends, and health. Small rocks are subdivisions of these big tasks — for example, studying abroad preparations could include writing essays, practicing TOEFL and GRE question banks, etc. Each small task is numbered and scheduled into a personal calendar.
This is an effective method of carving out time. Many have seen the video: to fill a jar with as much as possible, you first place the big rocks, then small rocks, and finally pour in fine sand.
This approach helps those aiming to achieve large goals move forward step by step toward their objectives.
Maintain the Mindset of "Every Little Progress Counts"
People who pursue self-actualization or ideals often have a perfectionist mindset about many things — such as ensuring consistent font sizes and spacing in a Word document, keeping the style and colors consistent in a presentation, or feeling the need to finish reading an entire book.
If you shift from the mindset of "half-done equals not done" to "even half is good," many changes occur. For example: You might want to attend a two-hour book club but can only stay for 40 minutes due to time constraints; or you might be interested in a lecture but can only listen for one hour because of another appointment. Although you can’t stay for the entire event, you can still gain valuable insights compared to not attending at all.
Mindset Adjustment: Don’t wait until conditions are perfect or time is abundant to start. Don't insist on completing everything in one go. Just start — once you begin, time will naturally unfold. Embrace the idea of "progressing step by step," "writing even just one line is fine," and "any progress is progress."
Let Go of the Idea of Doing Everything Yourself
This refers to breaking away from traditional ideas like "a mother must cook every day," "a mother must personally take care of her children," or "a mother must handle all household chores." To maximize personal time, the author wisely sought help for tasks such as preparing dinner or cleaning the house.
Mindset Adjustment: Letting go of the belief that you must do everything yourself opens up more time for precious moments with family, which truly fulfills the meaning and value of saving time. This mindset is admirable, and it’s hoped that more people will embrace it.
Run While Thinking About the Next Steps
Of course, we wish to be fully prepared before undertaking anything, but in reality, there is rarely a day when we feel completely ready. Also, try not to harbor thoughts like "I should succeed" or "I might fail" too often.
Before studying abroad in the U.S., the author didn't know that daycare fees would exceed NT$150,000 per month or that the family's annual health insurance premiums would total NT$400,000. Knowing this in advance might have induced fear. Impulsiveness often seems reckless, but when facing major challenges, people actually need a degree of impulsiveness. With explosive momentum and speed, many barriers can be broken through.
Mindset Adjustment: Understanding yourself is crucial. When managing your personal schedule, don't overestimate your capabilities. Turn your calendar planning into "event-based records" — meaning if you can only realistically study English for one hour a day, don’t stubbornly plan for two hours. Failing to meet unrealistic expectations only increases pressure and creates a vicious cycle.