I am currently exploring three significant topics that resonate deeply with me:
Topic #1: Discipline
The importance of discipline came much later to me in life than I wished. In high school, I was never disciplined to study, or keep my room clean, or apply for college scholarships. Instead I did the bare minimum and let my desires take advantage of me.
It wasn't until my my freshman year of college that my father sent me an article titled “10 lessons from a Navy Seal”. The article covered various life lessons, but the first one, Make your bed each morning, was a game-changer for me. I even wrote a blog post about how this article transformed my life, which you can read here.
Once I grasped the significance of discipline, I started trying to cultivate it as much as I could. There have been times when I've been exceptionally on track, starting my days at the gym, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring I get plenty of rest.
However, there are also times when I stumble and feel hopeless. At those points, I know exactly what I need to do to get back on track. I know what things will make me feel better, yet I lack the self discipline at those times to make the right choice.
As I continue with this writing challenge, I plan to delve deeper into this topic, especially since I'm currently climbing out of a discipline rut. It's an ideal time to revisit the fundamental principles of self-discipline.
Topic #2: Motivation
Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 3 a.m. on a Sunday, suddenly filled with the urge to make sweeping changes in your life? Thoughts of starting anew the next day flood your mind, yet when morning arrives, you slide back into your usual routine.
Why does this surge of energy arrive during such quiet hours and vanish when you actually need it? Common theories suggest that reduced distractions and mental fatigue might enhance creative thinking at these times. However, understanding this phenomenon is one thing; learning to harness this energy on demand is another.
For some, motivation comes from setting allowed rewards. “If I can complete this project by Friday, I’ll treat myself to some ice cream”. Although effective, this strategy requires a backbone of discipline. Without discipline, what’s stopping you from grabbing that sweet treat right now? Goal-setting is another common strategy, where setting small, achievable goals can create a momentum that builds towards larger achievements. But what if even those small goals are a struggle to complete?
What has proven most potent for me is drawing on inspiration. For instance, listening to an invigorating speech right before a workout or watching a film about an underdog's relentless pursuit of their goals can be incredibly motivating. These sources of inspiration not only enhance my drive but also empower me to actively get shit done.
During this series, I aim to investigate various motivational strategies, and I encourage you, the reader, to discover what works best for you. If you have unique techniques for finding motivation, please share them!
Topic #3: Philosophy
Philosophy, at its core, is the pursuit of wisdom. It’s about examining life’s deeper meanings and how we can live better. This core idea is what keeps me striving for more, to forever be a student of life. To be content with where I am yet always seeking to understand more deeply. The quest for wisdom is a journey without end, a continual process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. It is in this pursuit that we uncover the truths that guide us towards a more fulfilling existence.
Conclusion
Exploring discipline, motivation, and philosophy shows how they shape our lives. Discipline is our foundation, motivation propels us forward, and philosophy deepens our understanding. During this writing challenge, I hope to enhance both my grasp of these themes and that of my readers. Let's uncover how these ideas impact personal growth together.