Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we delve into personal growth, self-reflection, and the journey of becoming the best version of ourselves. I’m your host, Victor, and today we have an introspective episode lined up for you. We’ll be discussing the influential people in our lives and how their legacies have impacted and shaped us.

Today, I want to start by sharing with you the most important people in my life and how their influence has left a lasting impression.

Let’s begin with my mother, Tammy. She was not only my mother but also a teacher and inspiration. As an accountant, she instilled in me the importance of clear thinking and articulate expression. From a young age, she emphasized the value of hard work and taught me mathematics. But it wasn’t just about numbers to her; she taught me the value of critical thinking and encouraged me to express my thoughts with clarity. Her influence shaped not only my academic pursuits but also my approach to life and morals. Through her guidance, I learned the power of articulating thoughts into words, which has become an essential part of my own thinking process.

Next, let’s talk about my father, Tony, an engineer who played a significant role in shaping my interests and outlook on life. Through his readings and discussions, he sparked my passion for computer software and technology. But his impact went beyond just that. Growing up, my father stressed the importance of family and the value of discipline in all aspects of life. However, it’s important to note that we didn’t always see eye to eye. We have differing political views and sometimes clash on matters of opinion. This has taught me the importance of maintaining an open mind and accepting the diversity in people’s thoughts and actions. It reminds me that communication and empathy are essential, even in moments of disagreement.

Now, let’s move on to a person who played a significant role in shaping my emotional growth and understanding of relationships - my ex-girlfriend, Jo. While our relationship ultimately ended, the lessons I learned from her were invaluable. I experienced moments of depression during that time, which forced me to become more self-aware and empathetic towards others. I had to confront the consequences of my actions and understand the impact they had on Jo. It was a deeply transformative period that taught me the value of emotional responsibility, patience, and the ability to correct my mistakes. It was during this time that I turned to Jordan Peterson’s book, “12 Rules for Life,” which offered valuable insights and helped me overcome the darkness I was facing.

As I reflect upon the legacies of these influential people in my life, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the impact they’ve had on my growth and development. From my mother’s emphasis on clear thinking to my father’s lessons in discipline and the emotional growth I experienced through my relationship with Jo, each of them has left an indelible mark on who I am today.

Thank you for joining me on this introspective journey today on Continuous Improvement. Remember, our past experiences and the influential people in our lives shape us, but it’s up to us to continuously grow and become the best version of ourselves. Until next time, keep striving for improvement.