#485 All in due time

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.

The only future we habitually see for ourselves is the one our past illuminates.

The moment we take a flashlight, intentionally aim our gaze, and look at what lies beyond the shade of the past, we see what’s truly possible for us.

It’s a counterintuitive process.

It takes courage and energy.

It’s what intentional living is all about.

Now is the time to put my heart on the line.

Because whatever I do at this very moment is a direct vote for who I want to be.

But before I let the gravity of the moment paralyze me, I realize – this is not my first vote, and it won’t be my last.

Another present moment will soon arrive, and with the passing of time, another opportunity to put my heart on the line.

Too much pressure on one moment leads to perfectionism and paralysis.

Too much focus on “this one moment doesn’t matter” leads to defeatism and lethargy.

Be intentional about the present moment because it’s the only vote you can directly influence.

Then be aware of the aggregate of your actions because your identity emerges from the majority of your votes.

Who do you choose to be?