#524 Don’t wait to go until you’re ready

I made an account on Instagram to stay in touch with friends abroad. Now I habitually spend hours a day scrolling through Instagram feeds. Is this a purposeful pursuit?

I started journaling to clear my head. Now I habitually write and publish insights every day. Is this a purposeful pursuit?

Good intentions and purposeful actions inevitably turn into a habit, and that can be a good or a bad thing.

Constantly questioning our actions leads to paralysis.

But once in a while, gaining presence and reaffirming your intentions can be enough to put you back on track.

I am inspired when I write, because I care about writing.
I am disappointed when I don’t write, because I care about writing.

I am delighted when there are no traffic jams, because I care about efficiency.
I am frustrated when the train is delayed, because I care about efficiency.

Strong emotions are the most honest answer to the question, “Do I care?”

”But should I care?” I hear you ask.

Well, my friend, that’s a different question.

You’ll write the book until you start doubting if you have it in you to write it… then realize that the only way to find out is by actually writing the book.

You’ll prepare for the marathon until you start doubting if you can finish it… then realize that the only way to find out is by actually running the marathon.

You’ll build the business until you start doubting if this is a viable idea… then realize that the only way to find out is by actually building the business.

No matter how much you dance circles, ignoring what your gut has been telling you, deep down, you know: this is where you should’ve gone all along.

Over the years, I’ve become quite skilled at letting present worries overshadow past triumphs.

But what would it be like to let past triumphs overshadow present worries?

And what would it be like to have present triumphs overshadow past worries?

Maybe you know better than me, my friend. Or maybe it’s something you’d like to practice too.

Here’s a journal prompt to get us started:

What’s a forgotten accomplishment from your past that once filled you with pride but has since slipped away from your thoughts?

An aspiring writer who doesn’t believe writing is a valuable skill in our current society and focuses on building a traditional career instead.

An aspiring runner who doesn’t believe running is a good use of their time in our current society and goes out for drinks every night.

An aspiring classical musician who doesn’t believe society will ever appreciate their art – and goes into pop music instead.

If you want to turn aspirations into achievements, you’ll have to decide for yourself what’s valuable, even if it goes against what society and tradition prescribe.

So to make writing a valuable skill, write.

To make running a good use of your time, run.

To make the world appreciate your classical music, practice classical music.

To make anything worthwhile, show that it’s worth your while.

Because going against the mainstream is not just necessary to achieve your aspirations – it’s what makes your aspirations valuable in the first place.