3 Things I Tried and Gave Up (And Why)

Confession time! We all try those “miraculous” things hoping to improve our lives, and sometimes we fail. But over time, I came to realize that these so-called “failed” attempts are filled with the most valuable lessons about my own nature. Here are three things I tried with the hope of “Maybe this will work for me?”—and ultimately gave up on—and what they taught me:

Bullet Journal Madness

After seeing those colorful, art-like journals online, I immediately bought a notebook and a set of pens. The first week was perfect! But then… I couldn’t draw straight lines, I made spelling mistakes, and I simply couldn’t muster the energy every day to create that artistic masterpiece. I realized my journal had started becoming a source of stress. A simple “to-do list” felt far more calming to me.

This experience taught me this: No matter how “perfect” a system looks, if it doesn’t serve you, it has no value. Falling into the trap of perfectionism was easier than actually being productive. This “failure” deepened my respect for my own simplicity. I learned to turn toward simple, functional solutions instead of building complex systems. This became a guiding principle—not just for my journal, but for my approach to work and life.

The Miraculous Green Smoothie Diet

I started replacing lunch every day with a “miraculous” green smoothie made of spinach, avocado, ice, and chia seeds. The first few days, I felt light and energized. But by the end of the first week, I found myself daydreaming about steamed broccoli or grilled chicken during the afternoon at the office. My body wasn’t craving liquid—it wanted solid, chewable food. I realized balance matters more than anything else.

This journey taught me that listening to my body’s signals is more valuable than following the latest diet trend. Just because something is labeled “healthy” doesn’t mean it’s sustainable or enjoyable for me. This became a turning point in how I view life: I now cultivate a flexible, energizing eating routine instead of imposing rigid rules. This lifted not only physical pressure but also unnecessary mental burdens I had placed on myself.

The Ideal of “Waking Up Early and Going for a Run”

I promised myself: “I’m going to become a morning person!” I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. and laid out my running clothes. The first day was great. The second day was tough. The third day, I turned off the alarm and said, “I’ll start tomorrow.” I realized I’m someone who thrives in the quiet of the evening, and forcing myself into the mold of a “morning person” only brought me unhappiness and exhaustion. Instead, I added evening walks to my routine—and it became far more sustainable.

This surrender may have given me the most valuable insight of all: respecting my own biological rhythm and nature. Rather than striving to conform to society’s ideal of the early riser, I embraced the times of day when I am most productive. This became a lesson that shaped my life: accepting myself as I am, and acting according to my own needs rather than someone else’s recipe for success. Finding my own “normal” was far more fulfilling than forcing myself to fit someone else’s idea of “perfect.”

Conclusion

Sometimes, letting go isn’t failure—it’s part of the journey to understanding ourselves better. These experiments taught me my limits, my preferences, and my values. They all provided the compass I needed to build a life that aligns not with the person I wanted to be, but with the person I truly am. Sometimes, the greatest gain is clearly seeing what is not right for you.