✨ Wellness Wisdom vol.31: A Mental Model for Habits & Self-Actualization

✨ Wellness Wisdom vol.31: A Mental Model for Habits & Self-Actualization

Why There Aren't More Googles: The Power of Purpose in Achieving Greatness

In our quest for personal growth and self-improvement, we often find ourselves setting resolutions and goals, only to abandon them shortly after. It's a common struggle, with only 9% of us being able to stick with our new year resolutions. But why is this the case? Is it a lack of motivation or discipline?

The first stop on our journey towards understanding the power of habits and self-actualization is distinguishing between motivation and discipline. Motivation is something that can come and go, out of our control. On the other hand, discipline is a choice, something we actively do. It's like Newton's third law of physics - for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. While motivation can inspire us, it's not something we can rely on in the long run. Instead, we should focus on building disciplined habits.

To build discipline, we need to get specific about what it will look like for our specific goals. We need to schedule it in our calendars and commit to it consistently. It takes around 21 days for a new habit to form, so we must be patient and persistent. This process requires us to be dependent on ourselves and our actions, rather than relying on external factors like motivation.

As we embark on our journey towards self-actualization, we will inevitably encounter the "Valley of Pain." This is the point where fear and resistance creep in, making us question our abilities and the importance of our goals. However, it is during this challenging phase that we must push through. The more scared we are of a task or calling, the more certain we can be that we have to do it. It's in these moments that we owe it to ourselves and those who have left us prematurely to make the best use of our time.

Sharing our goals with others can sometimes trick our ego into feeling satisfied. We deceive ourselves, thinking that others perceive us as successful. However, true success lies in being the one who is actually in the arena, facing challenges head-on. As Theodore Roosevelt said, "It is not the critic who counts...but the man who is actually in the arena."

Discipline alone is not enough; it has to feel good. Discipline helps us overcome the "Valley of Pain" and enter the realm of "Feeling Good." If we find that a habit no longer brings us joy or fulfillment after a while, it may be time to let it go. Life is too short to engage in something we hate and suffer from every day. It's important to remember that the ultimate word is "I Like." Philosophy can guide us, but ultimately, it is our personal preferences and choices that matter.

When it comes to long-term pursuits, showing up consistently is crucial. Even when we are feeling unmotivated, changing our physical state can change our mental state. Taking action, even in small ways, can help us overcome the challenges and keep moving forward. The process of discipline sets things into motion, leading to eventual success.

Habits play a vital role in our journey of self-actualization. As our disciplined actions turn into habits, they shape our identity. When we fall in love with the process rather than the end result, we give ourselves permission to be happy. It's not about shaping ourselves into an ideal we imagine we should be, but rather discovering who we already are and becoming it.

So why aren't there more Googles in the world? The answer lies in the power of purpose. Google had a deeply felt sense of purpose - a conviction to change the world for the better. Purpose fuels motivation, discipline, and the ability to overcome obstacles. When we align our actions with a greater purpose, we find the motivation and drive to achieve greatness.

In conclusion, building disciplined habits and embracing the process rather than the outcome are key to self-actualization. Here are three actionable advice to incorporate into your journey:

1. Get specific and schedule your disciplined habits. Commit to consistent action and be patient with the process.

2. Embrace the "Valley of Pain" and push through your fears and resistance. Remember that the most important accomplishments come with the greatest challenges.

3. Find joy and fulfillment in your habits. If something no longer brings you happiness, don't be afraid to let it go. Focus on what truly makes you feel good.

In the pursuit of self-actualization, remember that it's not about becoming someone new, but rather discovering and embracing who you already are. Let your purpose guide you, and you'll find the motivation and discipline to achieve greatness.