Usually, I like to only write about personal development and entrepreneurship. But this freaking cube has been consuming all of my time for these past few days. I'll try to tie it back to personal development in some way just so I can stay within my blog's general theme.
Around 10 years ago, I got my first Rubik's Cube. At the time, I loved puzzles, riddles, and anything else that would give me a mental challenge. After playing around with the cube, I was always able to get the first face solved. Not correctly, but I was able to achieve some sense of accomplishment. Of course, there are 6 faces on the cube and so only completing 1 face was not enough. I became so frustrated that I Googled the Rubik's cube solution manual.
I practiced every day for a month until I had every algorithm memorized. I became so good at solving the cube that my record time was about 1 minute. There are people who can solve the cube in seconds while being blindfolded, so my mini accomplishment is nothing compared to them. But I'm still pretty proud of myself for this accomplishment.
Jumping 10 years forward to 2 days ago, my best friend walked into my home with a Rubik's Cube in his hand. Note that I hadn't held the cube for a long time, so my eyes lit up as if I were a 5 year old kid and I had just received a lollipop. I immediately started to twist and turn it to see how much I remembered about solving it. It has now been 2 days and this is as far as I can go without any assistance:
As you can see, I am able to get the bottom white face and the second layer complete. The top yellow face is the most difficult because you're supposed to switch the pieces around without messing up any of the other pieces. Right now, I'm only able to complete the top face with the help of the solution guide. I'm not happy about it, but sometimes getting some help is okay in order to improve later on.
So, to tie it together with personal development....
1. Be Persistent
It takes a lot of practice in order to become an expert. Of course, things are going to be tough at the very beginning because it's new. But with enough effort and time, you'll get a lot better.
2. Getting Help is Okay
I would never be able to solve the Rubik's Cube without the help of the solution guide. A lot of people are too proud to reach out for help when they know they need it. Sure, you can struggle and fight for the experience and knowledge or you can accelerate the process and ask for help from a professional. It's really not a tough decision.
Now, back to solving this Rubik's Cube. :D