Improve or Perish
Reflection on lifelong improvement and resilient mindsets.
With self-discipline, almost anything is possible.
-Theodore Roosevelt
We are a combination and culmination of our developed skills. The more you do anything, the better you get at it. The less you do anything, the more challenging it becomes when needed. Plasticity vs degeneration of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, brain connections, and skills is simply based on usage. Everything is perishable. If you aren’t trying to get better, I can assure you that you’re getting worse.
Resistance is inevitable. Natural forces are consistently working against us. Aging, injuries, illness, atrophy, stress. Sustainment is not passively possible. Use it or lose it. There will always be reasonable excuses to take time off, to lose momentum. Starting anything is harder than continuing. The best way to combat resistance is with action. We can and should rest, pivot, and adapt to new circumstances. Completely quitting or excusing yourself from focused improvement, however, will assuredly lead to decline.
Complacency kills.
We must all suffer one or two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.
-Jim Rohn
It takes work to maintain your health, fitness, relationships, and character. Sustainment or enhancement is only possible through intention and effort. Discipline is what allows for consistency in that effort. Motivation is fleeting. Many days you won’t feel your best, have competing priorities, or simply not want to do the work. Discipline will deliver.
Self-discipline starts with mastery of your thoughts. If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do.
-Napoleon Hill
Discipline, however, is a skill just like anything else. The practice of discipline has to be practiced. Prioritize yourself and make discipline part of your identity. Understand that slowing down, off days, and struggle are all inevitable. Liberate yourself from having to be 100% to perform. Good enough now allows for great later. Whatever the pursuit, show up every day to put in some amount of effort regardless of outcome. The consistency and focus will allow for continuous improvement.
Anxiety is comprising the present out of concern for the future. Discipline is optimizing the present in preparation for the future. Future-focused improvement.
1% better everyday in at least one domain.
Small changes lead to the biggest and most sustainable results. Personal compound interest.
What aspects of your life are you putting off?
What small steps can you take now to begin gaining momentum?
Challenge yourself to spend at least five minutes a day on your determined skill. Pick something that offers the most value for your individual improvement. No exceptions. Make this practice a habit and watch other priorities in your life begin to align.
The best rewards are earned.
Discipline equals freedom.
-Jocko Willink