Lesson I Learnt From Missing the Interview That Could’ve Changed My Life

Last week Friday, I did something that would’ve made the old me spiral into anxiety: I overslept and missed a major interview.

Not just any interview — a remote opportunity with a global agency I’d been praying, scripting, manifesting, fasting, and prepping for since April.

It was meant to be my “finally” moment. That one job that would shift me from “potential” to “paid.”

I had planned everything the night before — shirt ironed, laptop charged, water bottle prepped like I was going on a TED Talk. I even set four alarms.

Still, I woke up 3 hours after the interview ended.

My heart sank. First thing I did? Stared at the ceiling. Second thing? Opened Instagram and muted everyone doing better than me. Third? I cried. Loud. Then slept again like it was the only thing I was good at.

But something strange happened when I woke up hours later. I wasn’t as mad at myself anymore.

I was oddly calm, like my spirit knew something I didn’t.

Instead of spiraling, I sat down and asked myself: “What exactly am I chasing? And why do I always feel like I need to ‘catch up’?”

Then I did something I hadn’t done in months — I journaled.

For the first time in a while, I wrote without pretending I had it all figured out. I admitted I was tired. Not physically — emotionally tired from chasing every shiny opportunity that promised to “change my life.” I realized I wasn’t improving. I was performing.

And that performance was slowly killing my joy.

That same evening, my friend sent me a random Google Form.

“Try this. They’re picking people for a productivity fellowship.”

I laughed. “Me? Productivity? The guy who missed an interview ’cause of sleep?”

But I filled it anyway.

Two days later, I got accepted.

Here’s the wild part: the fellowship wasn’t about getting a job — it was about rebuilding your daily systems, routines, and mindset. No pressure to impress. Just real work on the inner me.

They taught us time-blocking, habit stacking, deep work techniques, and how to be kind to ourselves when we mess up. It was like therapy for my to-do list.

By the third week, I realized I didn’t need another opportunity. I needed structure. I needed peace. I needed clarity.

Now I’m two months in. My mornings aren’t chaotic. I wake up with intention. I track my habits (with grace), and I actually enjoy planning my day.

Funny enough, the agency I missed? They reposted a new opening last week — and this time, I applied as a better version of myself.

Not desperate. Not anxious. Just ready.

If you’re in that phase where your life feels like one missed chance after another, maybe it’s not about catching up. Maybe it’s about resetting.

Start small:

– Clean your desk.

– Set a bedtime.

– Write your thoughts down.

– Say “no” to hustle guilt.

– And most importantly, rest without shame.

Sometimes, the glow-up doesn’t come from landing the gig — it comes from finally learning how to manage your time, mind, and emotions like someone who deserves the life they’re dreaming of.