When all is said and done, the root of your problem is this: you have too few “core pillars” in your life — and so they cannot bear the weight of your current existence. That is why you feel crushed by pressure at every turn.
Think about it. If your entire life consists of nothing more than a low-paying job and a partner who does nothing but drain your energy and take your value — then your life will only grow darker with each passing year. The smallest setback will push your emotions and your finances to the brink of collapse.
You must remember this: the exhaustion you feel is, at its core, a sigh of powerlessness. It comes from being weak and threadbare — from not having enough silver in your pocket, and no iron in your fist when problems come knocking.
So what do you do?
In my words — Master Chi’s words — you must find one quiet night when the world has gone still, and make a silent vow to yourself. Tell yourself: I have had enough of living like this.
From that moment forward, carry that resolve like a spine. Stand straight in the face of every challenge that comes your way.
Even if you come out bloodied and drenched in sweat — let it fall from your brow. Grit your teeth, wipe it away, and keep grinding and forging yourself without pause.
Progress inch by inch. Accumulate your original capital drop by drop.
I, Master Chi, have said this countless times to every reader who has come to me to have their life pattern (格局) analyzed: poverty loves to bully the poor, and misfortune loves to hound the weak.
So stop thinking about managing these things. Think about curing them at the root.
When you begin to discipline yourself with a regular routine, enrich yourself with quality books, and sculpt yourself through consistent training — you will find that the foundation beneath your life grows steadier and stronger, and the troubles that once plagued you will begin to hesitate before coming near.
And if you begin to build your own small business — slowly, from nothing, growing it piece by piece — then after weathering every storm and hardship along the way, you will have accomplished two things at once: accumulated meaningful wealth, and developed both your inner and outer capabilities to their fullest.
At that point, you will discover that all the things which once kept you awake at night — the petty office dramas, the trivial squabbles with a foolish partner — have become nothing more than minor nuisances you can dismiss with a wave of your hand.
Such trivialities will no longer be worth your time. Not even worth a glance.