I try to keep up with what others are writing about these days and I’m occasionally attracted by a good hyper-achieving headline.
A couple of bloggers have caught my attention with their optimism, motivation and focus on helping us become our best selves.
But one morning recently, I found a couple of their posts about living the ideal day so ponderous, all I could do is ask two simple questions… Really? And Why?
I made it through the first post without too much trouble. But about half way through the second one, I thought my head was going to explode.
There was so much motivation and planning packed into those few paragraphs, I knew it was about to burst at any moment.
Start with the perfect morning routine. No, wait… you must start the evening before or tomorrow will be lost before you start.
It’s not about being perfect, he explains…
Then it’s on to describe the perfect day, just using a different word. I think the word was ideal. Okay, that’s just shy of perfect, right?
It’s the same.
Journal for 10 minutes. Meditate for 7.5 minutes.
Get a good breakfast under your belt. Plant-based proteins are great.
The first article suggested I should be careful of spending time with friends. You may not have realized this, but friends can keep you from achieving your greatness.
It’s okay to spend time with them… occasionally, he explains.
At this point, I’d prefer some plant-based hydrocarbons instead. Shared with friends, by the way.
Start your work and focus-focus-focus. Then break for an intense cardio followed by core strength training. This will set you up for mid-morning power productivity.
Then it’s on to a Tony Robbins retreat over the lunch hour.
I’ll spare you the afternoon prescription. It could put you at risk of achievement addiction.
By now you may be wanting to ask me some important questions, such as…
Why was I reading these posts in the first place?
Why was I even interested if I’m going to take shots (hydrocarbon pun) at the idea of achievement and motivation?
Fair enough.
I’ve always been interested in doing better and achieving more. I believe we should all seek to be the best versions of ourselves that we can become.
Here’s the thing…
Over time, I’ve learned a little about both, and about how all of that fits in with some important other things in life. Friends, for example.
In one of the posts, the uber-achiever announced to his readers that “It’s not just about the money.” I’d have to say there’s one too many words in that sentence. Money is the wrong metric for doing better and achieving more. Period.
There’s also a journey involved.
And it’s as much the journey as it is anything else. Make time in your journey to enjoy the experience. The best parts happen along the way.
It’s not the destination.
That means that down time and quiet time are part of the equation. And that means more than 7.5 minutes of meditation in the morning.
The journey is your reward.
Work in time around the edges for things you love to do.
Even if, no especially if, it’s just because you love doing them.
Even if, according to the formula, they bring you no closer to success and achievement. It’s not the destination.
Follow a good path.
Invite others along.
Let go.
Take time to play some.
Do great things too.
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Good Job