The Goal is Self. The Curse is Self.

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The goal is self. The curse is self.

This is how I explain it: We all inherently understand that we can be more, we know that our current state is not constant because no matter who you are, you have set in place some trajectory for your own life.

We change, we develop, we grow, and we learn.

The level of our growth can measure our passage through time. Hence, our ever-present goal is the betterment of our "Self".

The challenge is that despite our inherent burning desire to conquer our "Self" we are challenged by our own "Self" at every step of the way.

We tell ourselves that we can become more and achieve more, but then through our desires and infallibilities, we fight our development at every turn.

We all know that we sleep too much, we all know that we wake up later than should, we all know that we spend too much time doing nothing, and not only that, we all know that we could be doing something productive instead!

It is not as if we are lazy and unmotivated because we do not know any better; it is that it is so damn hard doing something about it!

So you see, the curse we are faced with is our own "Self."

The question then becomes: How do I conquer my "Self"?

I wish I had the answer to that problem.

If anyone had the answer to that, this world would be a haven.

I can at least offer a way to secure small victories that then turn into more prominent and more significant wins, but then something interesting begins to happen.

When you begin to make positive changes in your life you will slowly notice that the little voice in your head grows a little louder, he/she will say: "Why even bother?", "We were doing fine before?" "Why fix something that is not broken?".

At this point, things become tricky.

The mind.

The beautiful, powerful, terrifying mind.

The mind is worthy of your utmost respect.

It is your key to success.

One thing is sure: If you control your mind, success in this life is guaranteed.

Simple. Or is it?

When I told you things would become tricky when you make changes in your life, this is what I meant: The mind has been accustomed to a life of relative ease.

It is accustomed and habituated to the path of least resistance, and dislikes overworking (Similar to most of us at work: why put in 100% when 50% gets me the same pay?).

So, when we begin to realise changes in our life that are beneficial, we quickly notice the immense protest that our mind holds.

The mind knows that the changes we want to implement are going to make life better, but it will not cooperate because we are straying from the norm!

"What are you doing! What is the point?".

Firstly, do not ever implement massive changes in your life.

Do not go out and purchase a home workout kit if you know you have trouble sticking with a routine.

Do not throw out all the junk food in your house when you know you love junk food.

Do not purchase a subscription for a weekly delivered meal kit when you do not know how to cook or have never maintained a relatively healthy diet.

All these things are massive changes that will shock your mind into action and force it into submission.

But what about longevity?

What about maintenance?

What about consistency?

Allow me to offer an alternative.

Secondly, you need to assess and take stock of your limitations and capabilities.

You must be honest with yourself. Write it down if you want to, just understand where your weaknesses are and what your strengths are.

How is your sleep hygiene?

Do you brush, floss and use mouthwash?

Do you spend too much time on your phone?

Do you have trouble sitting on your desk for prolonged periods?

Do you find reading boring?

You must be brutally honest with yourself. Once you have completed your evaluation, you can then proceed to the next step.

Implement small— and I mean tiny— changes in your life.

For example, let us say that you want to wake up earlier.

This one is very tough to maintain.

Waking up early should happen regardless of the type of day, whether it is a weekend, a public holiday, your birthday, your mother's birthday, it does not matter.

Waking up early should and can be the new norm in your life.

Waking up early is one of the habits of the most successful people in the world.

How do we do this?

Well, first, we need to want to wake up early.

If you wake up at whatever time you wake up and not feel a slight twinge of guilt, then I cannot begin to help you.

You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot force him to drink.

So, you need to feel bad about wasting precious time.

This is what I did, and it changed my life.

One night, do not go to sleep.

Try a Friday night.

Force yourself to stay up all night.

Do not dare get into bed no matter how tired you are.

Then when the morning arrives, do not climb into bed either.

Begin your day as usual. You will feel incredibly lethargic and tired but try to stay active, no naps, no reclining, your body and mind will scream at you.

Let them.

Your future self would thank you profusely if he/she had the chance.

Now, when it is 9:30 PM climb into bed, set your alarm for 6:30 AM and enjoy your well-deserved sleep.

You will wake up feeling refreshed and most likely before your alarm goes off.

Now, this part is slippery.

Do it again. I do not mean 'skip' a night of sleep! I mean go to sleep early!

But this time, climb into bed a little later: 9:45 PM, you should be asleep by 10:15 PM— do not use your phone!

Now do this for a few nights, then take a break.

Then do it again, then take a break.

You will realise on the mornings where you decided to take a break your body will wake up naturally.

I do not need an alarm anymore. You will not either.

Nine times out of 10, I am awake 10 minutes before my alarm goes off.

Try this, and watch your life change and watch it change fast.

Oliver.