What’s your poison?
I'm not talking about your drink of choice at the bar, but rather, the flavour of struggle you choose to face head-on in life. The Buddhists weren't kidding when they said, "Life is Dukkha," capturing the essence of suffering, stress, or dissatisfaction that comes as part and parcel of the human condition.
This 'suffering' isn't just about the thorns life throws at you; it's about the gap between your reality and your desires. I call it the 'desire gap.' It's that gnawing feeling when what you have doesn't quite match up with what you want, like wearing a shoe that's just half a size too small – it fits, but you know it could be better.
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor, right? That's the kind of suffering I'm talking about – the sort that builds character, the kind that you choose. It's the hard yards, the sweat, the grind. It's pushing your limits in the sweltering heat or the biting cold (a personal favourite of mine), or maybe it's the burn in your lungs after a gruelling workout. Sometimes it's even the self-inflicted battles with the gremlins in our minds...
In my world, periods of quiet often feel like the calm before the storm. Too quiet, and I start looking for dragons to slay. It's not about creating drama but seeking out challenges that demand the best of me. In reflection I realised it’s not about having a problem-free life but having a life full of meaningful problems to solve.
How do I stay afloat in this sea of self-imposed adversity? By anchoring myself to a strong mental and physical health regimen – mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, you name it. Journaling is my compass, keeping me on course through the choppiest of waters.
There's a saying I'm fond of: "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." It's a mantra that keeps me grounded, reminding me that while I can't always choose my circumstances, I can choose my response.
Now, over to you. What's your method of choice when life turns up the heat?
How do you dance in the rain of your own life's storms?
Josh
"The test of first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."
– F. Scott Fitzgerald
The legacy reputation paradox
Your reputation is the only legacy you’ll leave behind (IMO)...
Your reputation is what other people think about you...
Yet, freedom (one form of it) comes from being unconcerned about what others think of you.
So should we be simultaneously concerned about how others view us, and take the view that: “What others think of you - is none of your business”?
Struggling to focus and get things done?
My favourite book on execution:
One of my top reads in 2023 (thanks, Dave Howden!)
Hyperfocus explores the intricacies of attention management, challenging conventional productivity wisdom with a fresh, pragmatic perspective. The book is packed with insights on how to elevate your focus in today’s distraction-led world. Bailey's blend of personal anecdotes and research-backed strategies makes it not just an enlightening read but also a practical guide to harnessing the power of our attention to achieve more, both in business and personal realms. Audible or Kindle are both great.
