#466 Do whatever it takes to stay in flow

In the pursuit of our ambitions, we often create intricate plans, detailed routines, and exhaustive checklists.

But when these complexities start to feel more like obstacles than aids, it might be time to strip things back.

Where are you overcomplicating? Is it in the planning, the execution, or perhaps the goal itself?

Seeking the simplest way is not always the easiest. But more often than not, it’s the most effective.

What gets you going – and what keeps you going?

Pain. Pleasure. Usually, a combination of both.

I like being disciplined – it gives me pleasure.

I also know very well that I don’t want to go back to jumping from one project to another, giving up before reaching any meaningful level of skill or results, and ending up frustrated with myself – the thought alone is painful.

The pain often gets you going, later to be joined by pleasure in a cocktail of motivation, discipline, and persistence.

And in this case, strong emotions, passion, and yes, also pain, often lead to more leverage – if you allow yourself to see the lessons it can teach you.

I never want to be that person again – which helped me figure out that I really want to be this person.

Living your never again might well help you figure out your yes, for as long as I shall live.