"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
"Just begin" is great advice for accomplishing any task, but also for growing and developing as a human being in general. Think about the person you want to be. What habits do they have, what activities do they engage in on a daily basis? Just start doing those, and see what happens.
I think another piece of this that I have learned after many failed attempts to build habits is adding them slowly. I think if I were to look at my life now as me five years ago I would be amazed at what I can do in a day. It's been a slow accumulation of habits and tasks, some necessary, some voluntary, that have allowed me to fill my day efficiently. I don't do them all everyday, as raising a baby, spending time with my wife, and work take precedent, but they are all tended (the ones I truly care about) each week.
I agree. And don't be too harsh on yourself when you realize you've let a habit slip. Just begin again.
For those really interested in tips on building lasting habits, I recommend checking out Atomic Habits by James Clear. He provides some great insight on the mechanics of habits and what makes them stick (or not).
I have been itching to start a substack for the last year or so. It is still in the back of my mind, but feels irresponsible as I struggle with the (hopefully) last year of my PhD. Maybe I'll start anyways. My husband and I actually found you through a podcast you did on The Confessions (was that you? I'm not 100% sure since I think we went back to look for it but couldn't find it). Happy birthday!
Yes, happy birthday! I had read somewhere that one should only write if they feel a burning desire in their soul to do so. I don't like that. It smells of artistic elitism. What I do like is something Alan Moore (the comic book writer) said about writing. He said you need to know what kind of 'stake' in life you have. What are your politics and what do you want to say about them. I think what he was getting at is that your writing needs to feel authentic. And you can only really write authentically about stuff you care about.
Thank you for this. I have been following you for quite some time, but never commented or made myself visible in any other way. I just want to say that I find comfort in the way you write and your videos on YouTube. I just started writing and this really helps with the self doubt. So thank you.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
"Just begin" is great advice for accomplishing any task, but also for growing and developing as a human being in general. Think about the person you want to be. What habits do they have, what activities do they engage in on a daily basis? Just start doing those, and see what happens.
I think another piece of this that I have learned after many failed attempts to build habits is adding them slowly. I think if I were to look at my life now as me five years ago I would be amazed at what I can do in a day. It's been a slow accumulation of habits and tasks, some necessary, some voluntary, that have allowed me to fill my day efficiently. I don't do them all everyday, as raising a baby, spending time with my wife, and work take precedent, but they are all tended (the ones I truly care about) each week.
I agree. And don't be too harsh on yourself when you realize you've let a habit slip. Just begin again.
For those really interested in tips on building lasting habits, I recommend checking out Atomic Habits by James Clear. He provides some great insight on the mechanics of habits and what makes them stick (or not).
Wonderful book! Keen and insightful to using time as an ally…. Makes me think of william james…
I have been itching to start a substack for the last year or so. It is still in the back of my mind, but feels irresponsible as I struggle with the (hopefully) last year of my PhD. Maybe I'll start anyways. My husband and I actually found you through a podcast you did on The Confessions (was that you? I'm not 100% sure since I think we went back to look for it but couldn't find it). Happy birthday!
That was indeed me!
Yes, happy birthday! I had read somewhere that one should only write if they feel a burning desire in their soul to do so. I don't like that. It smells of artistic elitism. What I do like is something Alan Moore (the comic book writer) said about writing. He said you need to know what kind of 'stake' in life you have. What are your politics and what do you want to say about them. I think what he was getting at is that your writing needs to feel authentic. And you can only really write authentically about stuff you care about.
Thank you for this. I have been following you for quite some time, but never commented or made myself visible in any other way. I just want to say that I find comfort in the way you write and your videos on YouTube. I just started writing and this really helps with the self doubt. So thank you.
Happy birthday!