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THREAD: 7 mental habits that work great until they get in your way.
Wisdom is knowing when a helpful quality no longer serves you, and being able to release from it at that point. This is the stuff of next-level performance and sustainable paths to success.
Wisdom is knowing when a helpful quality no longer serves you, and being able to release from it at that point. This is the stuff of next-level performance and sustainable paths to success.
Grit
Sometimes we over-glorify perseverance, sticking with something simply for the sake of sticking with it when it would be more skillful to move on.
In doing so, we forfeit opportunity to try other approaches that might be a better fit. (For more: see RANGE, @DavidEpstein.)
Sometimes we over-glorify perseverance, sticking with something simply for the sake of sticking with it when it would be more skillful to move on.
In doing so, we forfeit opportunity to try other approaches that might be a better fit. (For more: see RANGE, @DavidEpstein.)
Trying Really Hard
To reach a state of flow—the experience of being in the zone, completely absorbed in what you are doing—is to release yourself from trying.
Flow is an absence of conscious effort; as you approach potential peak moments, trying too hard can lead to choking.
To reach a state of flow—the experience of being in the zone, completely absorbed in what you are doing—is to release yourself from trying.
Flow is an absence of conscious effort; as you approach potential peak moments, trying too hard can lead to choking.
Routine
The danger of becoming too attached to your routine: if for whatever reason you can’t stick to it you’ll be thrown off for the whole day.
The first rule of routines is to develop one and stick with it. The second rule is to cultivate the capacity to easily let go.
The danger of becoming too attached to your routine: if for whatever reason you can’t stick to it you’ll be thrown off for the whole day.
The first rule of routines is to develop one and stick with it. The second rule is to cultivate the capacity to easily let go.
Self-Discipline
Unrelenting self-discipline takes you to the top of your game. But without caution, it is a habit that can also take you down a steep slope toward burnout.
Intense self-discipline is best when married with intense self-awareness and intense self-compassion.
Unrelenting self-discipline takes you to the top of your game. But without caution, it is a habit that can also take you down a steep slope toward burnout.
Intense self-discipline is best when married with intense self-awareness and intense self-compassion.
Conviction
Flexibility without strength is instability, but strength without flexibility is rigidity. And being rigid is neither fun nor particularly effective in getting you where you need to go. Know the hills you will die on, but being willing to adapt to lots else.
Flexibility without strength is instability, but strength without flexibility is rigidity. And being rigid is neither fun nor particularly effective in getting you where you need to go. Know the hills you will die on, but being willing to adapt to lots else.
Self-Monitoring
Remember that the things you’re tracking—steps taken, heart-rate, tasks crossed off a list, etc.—are secondary outputs. The purest, most accurate indicator of your current state is how you feel.
Don't let the former obstruct your ability to do the latter.
Remember that the things you’re tracking—steps taken, heart-rate, tasks crossed off a list, etc.—are secondary outputs. The purest, most accurate indicator of your current state is how you feel.
Don't let the former obstruct your ability to do the latter.
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