A Day to Pause
December 11th, right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Unlike yesterday, when I explored and wandered the city, this day was a complete rest day. My laptop was still in repair, which meant I couldn't move on to the next town, Seremban, as I had originally planned. The frustration of not being able to move forward was there, but I chose to dedicate the day to one thing: writing my book.
The hotel kindly let me use their shared space, and that gesture made a big difference. I felt grateful because having a space to work isn't always guaranteed when traveling.
Finding the Right Space for Ideas
When I need to focus deeply, sometimes it helps to place myself in a closed, quiet room with no distractions. But when it comes to generating ideas, I find I work better in a space where natural light enters, where windows open up the feeling of the room. A place that feels wide enough to breathe.
I have great respect for people who can concentrate no matter what situation they're in. For me, the environment still plays too big a role. I've realized I can't yet maintain the same level of focus in every circumstance.
When you're on the road, the environment is never constant. Sometimes I stay in a hotel with perfect Wi-Fi and a quiet room. Other times, I'm in the mountains with no connection, or inside a tent while wind and rain roar outside. And after cycling more than 100 kilometers, even if Wi-Fi is available, my body is so exhausted that no energy remains for serious work.
Learning from Consistency
That's why I admire people who have built the habit of finishing things no matter where they are. It isn't about creating the "perfect environment" anymore. It's about building the habit of focus, the practice of consistency itself. That's something I still lack.
As I structured and wrote more of my book, I kept reflecting on this point. My biggest weakness isn't the absence of a good workspace, but the absence of a stronger working habit.
Progress on the Book
The good news is, the book's outline is already complete. Now it's about filling in the contents, writing piece by piece. I've promised myself that by 2025, I'll finish at least one full book. That thought keeps me moving forward, even on quiet, still days like this.
