“Have a little fun. Soon enough you’ll be dead and burning in Hell with the rest of your family.”
– George Carlin
I used to punish myself if I couldn’t meet every goal I had set. If I didn’t read enough or make enough money online, I’d deny myself the privilege of going out on a Friday night or doing something fun.
This system worked well for awhile, then it imploded. Instead of working rationally towards my objective I’d fear failure and procrastinate.
I’ve adopted a new work ethic now, one where I do the best I can and see what happens. Unsurprisingly it’s been a hundred times more effective.
If, for reasons out of my own control, I didn’t reach a certain non-essential goal; I don’t beat myself up over it. When Friday night rolls around I’ll be out having fun, not sitting at home desperately trying to reach some quota.
I think this fear of inadequacy is rather common amongst guys who get into lifestyle development and self improvement. They see other people and start comparing themselves to them.
I might not be on the same level as a Colin Wright, but that doesn’t mean I need to punish myself because of it.
However, just because I’m not overworking myself doesn’t mean that I’m being a lazy slug. I still work hard towards my goals, but I have fun doing so. If anything, having the time of my life and enjoying my youth has actually made me more productive. I tackle my “to-do” lists with new zeal and enthusiasm, adding to them and pushing further.
Being alive is the longest activity I’ll ever engage in, there’s no reason for me not to enjoy it.