What’s a topic or issue about which you’ve changed your mind?
Meditate. Breathe. Relax. Be passive. Find inner peace. Read. Simply don’t worry.
All of these are things that we are told when life is not going right. When the weight of the world is crushing you. When you’re tired of life. But I think they’re wrong.
To be clear, these are all good, enjoyable things. They are managing symptoms of a deeper, structural issue. Specifically, the issue of discipline. The issue of doing.
I believe in self help. And I believe that the most neglected things we do to cause our problems start with our activity, from the beginning of the day. Bringing order to the things ignored. Building it into habits so that it can be maintained.
Making your bed.
It’s been the first step of my day for almost a month now. I get up in the morning, I make the bed, and I have a quick little win. It’s not something I celebrate, but it puts me in the mindset to get started with the day. It helps me start the snowball down the hill.
I know that making my bed takes only 5 minutes of my time. But if I don’t do it, it will distract me every time I enter my room. I know that having dishes on the counter would be easily cleaned. But not cleaning thin will draw my attention throughout the day.
Making it a habit to fix these small things has helped me to do more in my day. I could start with a long morning meditation, but it doesn’t provide a physical payoff like actually dealing with the problems does. And meditation and relaxation is so much better without being distracted.
Ultimately, if you asked someone else for help, you’d want them to physically help you with your problem. Why do any less when seeking help from your self?
Modern Survival Arkansas 