Happy Sunday! Every week I write a little bit about my path to learning what it means to be resilient. You can read why this started here. Otherwise, enjoy!
Thought I’d add in a new segment, on the content I have recently been digesting. I just finished rereading Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s an incredible book, and has rekindled a mindset on tracking my habits everyday, and trying to create new ones.
For the sake of accountability, my first habit that I want to work on for the next week is to every day when I wake up, the first thing I want to do is think about three good things. I’m sick of starting my days from the negative point of view of the news or whatever is going on in the world.
Never Complain.
Another thing I’d like to attempt is to go 24 hours without complaining about anything. Both out loud, and in my head. I’m thinking about proposing a “Complaint jar” to my girlfriend. Where every time we complain we Venmo a dollar to a newly created Venmo account, or something like that.
This idea partially comes from Ben Bergeron, the widely critiqued trailblazer of coaching competitive CrossFit, he often says “Never whine, never complain, never make excuses.” Even for trivial things, like the rain, or minor inconveniences, no complaints at all.
The idea also comes from Shaan Puri, he’s been trying to do this for 30 days, and he’s failed 30 times. But I think it’s still beneficial.
On to the other things, this week has been challenging. From covid scares, to doggy day care drama, to the joys of relationships. I wasn’t able to do my monthly investment strategy due to some surprise expenses which made me feel guilty but I’m trying to remember it is not a perfect art.
Balance.
I need to work on balance. I tend to not have balance in my life, something always gets kicked to the side. So at some point today I’m going to sit down and plan out my week, including school time, work time, and times to workout. I’ve let myself go over the last couple months, and I’d like to change that.
I’m also trying to learn how to code, which has proved to be about as challenging as I expected. But I’m enjoying the challenge, and to have something that’s purely a hobby.
Effort.
To close, this week’s thought on effort:
There’s a quote from the Bible that says “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world if he loses his soul.” -Matthew 16:26. It’s been on my mind a bit more recently as I’ve started to become more busy, more on operating mode instead of living mode. I’ve been doing more getting through the day, then actually enjoying the day. My paycheck may be bigger, but am I enjoying life? When I get into this mode of just surviving, everything suffers. That’s where I think taking a mindful approach to my daily effort plays a role. I’ve long focused my effort on my calendar, on completing the events and checking things off. This week I’m going to concentrate my effort into enjoying each moment. Being thankful for everything that occurs. Always trying to remember that to feel pressure is a privilege.
Happy Sunday, let’s crush the week but not ourselves.