#76 Build Discipline by Starting Small

My actions affect my identity and beliefs.

And my identity and beliefs affect which actions I take.

So, to change, I must consciously take actions that divert from my established identity and beliefs, and do what you believe is impossible for yourself.

Until it’s not impossible anymore.

It’s not an easy road, my friend. It takes courage. Effort. Sometimes pain.

Many times, it’s not worth it.

But sometimes, there’s no other way.

And in those moments, it’s good to know there’s always someone willing to show you a path, paved by Tiny Trust Builders, taking you wherever you want to go.

Since you’re reading my letters, that someone could be me, my friend.

Or anyone else you know.

I guess all I want to say is: you’re not in this alone.

Every day we spend another day of our lives.

Where do I spend it?
Why?

Who do I spend it with?
Why?

What do I spend it on?
Why?

What’s it all about?

Getting worked up about traffic jams is not pleasant, but it’s predictable. And addictive.

So is giving up on writing a book, quitting a workout regime, and re-living any conflict or failure.

Not pleasant. But predictable.

This is how you’ve always felt. And this is how you’ll always feel – unless you become aware of the unpleasant, predictable, addictive patterns and decide to act differently.

Not only once, not twice, but every time you become aware of the pattern until you’ve built enough self-trust that you know the unpleasant predictable events aren’t inevitable.

The path toward self-awareness isn’t always pleasant. 

Take yesterday, when I realized that in many cases, I’m more interested in the comfort of “wanting” something I don’t have than in “taking action to get something.”

That unappealing realization triggered a cascade of even more unappealing questions.

Would I rather mess around with small blog posts instead of becoming a skilled writer crafting coherent arguments?

Would I rather learn about a million different strategies to grow a newsletter instead of actually spreading the word and getting more people to read my newsletter?

Would I rather learn how to learn a language than actually learn a new language?

Is the frustration of unrealized potential also a huge source of comfort in my life?

I’m not sure if I should be happy with that realization. 

Maybe realizations aren’t even supposed to make me happy.

But even if they were, it doesn’t matter. 

Because look: here I am, writing another insight about it.

Another Tiny Trust Builder, proving that every day, I am one step closer to renouncing my citizenship of the United States of “If I wanted, I could.”

Another reminder to myself and you, my friend, one I’ll repeat until the bitter end: actions overrule thoughts.