Tripped at the starting line
This issue is hitting your inbox late, I’m sorry.
I’ve been traveling the past couple of days and at least in California it’s been pretty stormy with more on the way. The time I thought I would have to write this week’s issue didn’t end up happening.
That’s okay, that doesn’t mean all is lost.
It simply means an adjustment to the plan is needed. Just rolling with the punches.
—
The order matters
This time of year everyone appears to be in growth mode. Or at least that is the intention everyone seems to have when talking about how they want this year to turn out.
You start to see gyms, hiking & biking trails all getting more crowded with people. Everyone working on the goals they set this year. Staring strong and pushing hard.
Unfortunately, a large percentage of people won’t be able to sustain this effort long-term. Many will be back to where they started in 1-3 months. And I don’t say this as a dig towards them at all.
We’ve all seen it though. Hell, we’ve all experienced it or are experiencing it in one way or another now.
Why? Why does this always seem to happen?
It’s because the order of how you do things matter. You don’t put your socks on after your shoes for instance. Before you can do anything thats truly sustainable “outside” yourself you need to have a strong foundation inside yourself.
How’s that inner voice? How do you treat yourself when you make a mistake? What words do you choose to say? How about when you make a BIG mistake?
Life is constantly changing. Which means things aren’t going to go according to plan. You’re going to fail. Not all the time but quite often.
How you treat yourself when you do is the pinnacle of success. The words you choose to say to yourself matter. Choose them wisely.
If someone you loved failed or made a simple mistake would you say to them the things you tell yourself?
Courage & Reason – an antidote to fear
Courage is the ability to confront and overcome fear. Especially in the face of danger or adversity.
It is a quality that allows us to stand up for our beliefs, even when it is difficult or unpopular to do so. Courage is an essential virtue because it allows us to live a life of authenticity and integrity, rather than being swayed by external influences or the fear of others.
Reason is the ability to use logic and critical thinking to make decisions and solve problems. Reason is a key virtue because it allows us to think for ourselves and make informed decisions, versus being influenced by emotions or external influences. By using reason, we can come to understand the true nature of things and make choices that are in line with our values and goals.
Remember you’re in control of your mind. Together, courage and reason are essential qualities that help us live a life free from fear.
A detached perspective
Adopting a detached viewpoint enables you to see the world for what it is. Making it easier to respond to it wisely.
In his famous work “Meditations,” Marcus Aurelius wrote:
“Everything that happens is either endurable or not. If it’s endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining. If it’s unendurable… then stop complaining. Your destruction will mean its end as well.”
This means that a change in perspective can help us to endure hardship and suffering. To see difficult experiences as opportunities for growth and learning. A chance to lean in.
When we do this we need to consider the bigger picture. Focusing on the long-term consequences of our actions, rather than getting caught up in short-term desires or pleasures.
Start to work on cultivating a flexible, open-minded perspective. One that allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and to see the world in a clear and unbiased way.
—
Wrapping up:
- Work on eliminating your negative inner voice
- Choose courage & reason in the face of fear
- See the world for what it is
That’s all for now.
See you next week,