Challenge vs Appreciation

[Dane]

I love challenging myself every day. I enjoy always growing as a man. These challenges often are seen in the form of physical exercise, emotional control, dietary discipline, being a good partner (or when single, getting out there and meeting women), and keeping my place clean and organized. Thus far, my life has clearly shown me that doing these things is rewarding not just mentally, but physically and financially as well.

However, I sometimes have a difficult time finding a balance. The very drive that causes me to get out there and really up the ante every day also has me sometimes not appreciating what I have, constantly striving for more. Basically, I feel that I need to continue that momentum in order to continue to get better and better. As David Goggins says, I am discovering that I am capable of more and more. However, I've noticed that at some level, pride in what you've accomplished is equally as important to keep you going and if the drive turns into negative talk, that can actually STOP progress.

 

By the same token, I know that it's important to appreciate what I already have and realize that in this state right now, I am already enough. Even trickier is being able to do that without then losing my drive. In other words, I feel that by striving for more I continue to improve myself and my life, but by striving for more I also feel never satisfied and sometimes I find that I bash myself if for whatever reason on some given day I do NOT reach my goals due to unforseen circumstances, or just that I feel that I need a rest. This is also evident in folks around me. The vast vast vast majority of guys are either way too hard on themselves which causes a lot of problems... Or they're overconfident and don't deliver and end up not accomplishing much, which also causes problems. I strive to be somewhere in the middle.

Any tips here? Also, do you agree with our buddy David Goggins that balance is for the mediocre?

Edited August 13, 2019 by Dane

[JustThinkingAloud]

I’d setup a day when you allow yourself not to have any goals. Just enjoy the day, do whatever you feel like doing and enjoy the life you’ve created. You’re working hard, you deserve a break. I don’t think you’ll lose your momentum because this day will give you more motivation and energy to keep going. You might even be surprised that you end up doing the right things, just in a more relaxed way.

[Truth Addict]

@Dane

What you need at this point is the integration of God and devil. You need to learn how to be satisfied with what you have and at the same time strive for more if possible. The trick is detachment.

Detachment means being serious without being neurotic, and being relaxed without being lazy. It's a desire for the best out 'there', while at the same time being content with what is here.

Balance is a process of trail and error, but you will eventually find that perfect balance. Be patient. You're working hard, and that'll pay off ?

Edited August 13, 2019 by Truth Addict