When something annoys you, first ask: why does it annoy me?
This simple question will give your mind enough pause to break the anger cycle.
Then ask: What is the nature of this thing? If I understood it better, would I be able to accept it?
Much of our suffering comes from the delta between expectation and reality.
When we approach seeing reality as it is and the object of our annoyance with curiosity, we end up alleviating our annoyance and pave the way to acceptance and better management of our emotions and actions.
Lessons from a Five-Legged Spider
The other night, I learned a valuable lesson from a five-legged spider. Even though it was handicapped with only three legs on one side and two on the other, it persevered to climb my bathroom wall.
If it didn't reach the ceiling to spin its web, it won't eat. Simple as that. Losing nearly half of its limbs didn't deter it from fulfilling its survival instincts.
It occurred to me that despite its disabilities, this creature was less miserable than many humans.
Like this spider, we often face disadvantages like lack of money, time, resources or skills that could hamper our progress. But unlike us humans who are often held back by self-limiting beliefs and thoughts if we perceive ourselves lacking in some way. A spider doesn't think or care what you think of it - it just acts.
What matters is keeping going regardless of what you might be missing at present to reach your goals. This lesson rings true among many accomplished individuals I've met: the facts don't matter for those committed to their goals.
They're not feeling sorry for themselves about the multitude of problems life throws at them along the way. They're making steady progress towards their true calling regardless of their disadvantages.
As for our little friend, it eventually made it to the top and began spinning its web. Looks like it'll live for another day.
I’m actually not very Disciplined. I just build enormous Accountability (my users and clients) and effective tracking systems (mind maps and sprints).
All I know is that it works and progress is fun.
Focus and Discipline are the Stoic Twins of productivity.
Focus = Direction and Concentration of Energy
The right Direction is determined by our rational mind (what the Stoics call your inner divinity).
Discipline is the ability to consistently sharpen Focus to a razor edge to do good work.
If you don’t have Discipline, then substitute with Accountability.
It’s what allows you to walk into a room and be a complete badass.
You are invincible when you have Alignment and operating within your circle ⭕️ of mastery.
Alignment is the feeling and energetic of knowing and living your purpose, your “why”. It is the driving force behind every successful AND happy person.
Alignment requires daily Affirmations, but just Affirmations won’t lead to Alignment.