Self-Control *Is* The Key
By Daniel Miessler on July 16th, 2006: Tagged as College | Diet | Personal | Psychology
I’ve been thinking lately about how I can improve myself, or, more accurately, what the barriers are to my growing at a higher rate. Interestingly enough, all indications point to a single source — self-control. I’ve thought for a while now that this was the case, but this article really laid it down for me. It’s true; it’s undeniable.
When I look at things I’d like to improve, they all hinge on my ability to tolerate mediocrity. And I suck at it. I have not succeded in life because I’m dedicated to success and am able to make sacrifices; I’ve done well because I’m pretty good at what I enjoy doing, and those things happen to be marketable. It’s luck, really.
To get to “the next level” I need to be able to grind. That’s what “regular” successful people do — they grind away at mandatory, tedious tasks until a goal is reached. Example? Diet. I am losing years off of my life because I can’t stand shopping and cooking. So instead I eat whatever’s within 6 feet of me when hunger calls.
Another example? College. Successful people grind away at often boring classes until they have a degree. I, on the other hand, started performing extremely poorly as soon as I figured out I loved computers. I couldn’t do the boring stuff anymore; I had found my obsession.
That’s lame.
I’m essentially not in control. I’m just really good at taking advantage of my abilities. If I didn’t have any abilities I’d be screwed because I am not good at grinding.
Exercise is another one. I don’t go to the gym often because I hate having to drive over there. It’s tedious. Not partaking of beneficial activities because they are boring is dumb. Really dumb. I really wish I could stop…not doing these things.
So what’s the answer? How can I get “into” these things. Shopping, driving to the gym, cooking a meal, etc. I desperately need the answer here. I know I can force myself to do these things once I get into the proper environment, but I need to be able to do them everywhere. The proper enviornment won’t always be there.
What’s the solution here? Is this teachable? I know the answer; I just want to know what you guys think…
