How I went from a state of useless stress to a state of useful productivity in 15 minutes
1% better every day at 11:11am - newsletter #063
Let me tell you a little story that just happened this morning. I went to bed late (01:00 in the morning) last night because I went to see TENET, Christopher Nolan's completely disturbing new film. So I decide to postpone my alarm clock from 05:55 to 07:55 because I have a vital need for at least 7 hours of sleep. This may seem ridiculous to you, but I already have to be kind to myself for "not respecting my 555am club". Yes, I know, don't judge me.
My day begins with an Amazon issue. They cancelled a very important order I was to receive today without warning. As a result, I just spent an hour and a half on the phone with them to try to fix the problem. Without success.
You've probably already experienced this kind of situation, where you put yourself under pressure for nothing. A flood of negative thoughts then begins to take hold of you: "you lost your morning", "you should have done this and that", "what a waste of time", "you won't be able to do everything you planned to do today”, etc.
Basically, the day begins badly and you are charged with negative energy. This was my case just before I took the time to write down what you are reading. The message I wish to share with you in this newsletter is twofold: the power of the "morning pages" and the double reality in which we live.
I explained more in detail in my newsletter #28 : "3 writing exercises that I've done for 200 mornings in a row", the power of the "morning pages” that I've been practicing now for 240 days in a row! This exercise allowed me this morning to take the time to write down my stream of thought, to realize that everything is fine and above all to put a stop to this growing pressure. I took the time to describe the problem I'm doing and to visualize the different possible solutions. I realized that I was making it a much bigger problem than it was.
What I call "double reality" is our ability to be able to see something in two completely different ways. It's 10:00 am and my dinner is at 7:00 pm. So I have 9 hours to realize what I decided to do today. Of course it's less than the 16 hours I was supposed to have, but it's still more than enough time to do a lot of things and "catch up on the day".So I can continue to mope about myself and yell at Amazon. Or I can pull myself together and do the best I can with the time I have left. I've opted for the second solution, I've reviewed the organization of my day, prioritized what I had to do and put off until tomorrow what I won't be able to do. And everything is a lot better! I went from a state of stress to a state of serenity in the space of a few minutes. This famous "double reality".
ONE QUOTE TO SHARE
“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.”
Søren Kierkegaard
ONE ARTICLE TO READ
A 15-minute Covid test from Abbot Laboratories La that will be priced at just $5 has been granted emergency authorization for use in the U.S., a breakthrough that could ease the bottleneck that has crimped much of the nation’s testing capacity.
They plan is to produce 50 million tests a month by end of October and start shipping the tests out in two weeks.
ONE PODCAST TO LISTEN TO
Arguably the hardest man alive, David Goggins is a retired Navy SEAL, accomplished ultra-endurance athlete and the author of "Can't Hurt Me." This is a brutally honest conversation about self-mastery that will leave you empowered to transform your life.
ONE PERSON TO FOLLOW
Sasha is an old friend (+10 years?). I knew him when he was far from being what he is today. His journey, his transformation (in less than 2 years) forces respect. Especially now that I know what he's been through. Sasha has gone from being an athlete "like you and me" to a "top level" athlete. SUB3 at the marathon, SUB10 at the ironman, he's become a real machine!
The Lucky Sasha is living proof that anything is possible.
ONE QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF
Can you break big things down into small pieces?
ONE WORKOUT (not) TO DO
At first, the idea of running 4 miles, every 4 hours, across 48 hours seems easy. For those who run regularly, 4 miles isn’t a huge distance. However, the number of times 4 miles is required across the 48-hours quickly makes the feat gruelling as those undertaking the challenge clock up almost 50 miles. That’s nearly 2 whole marathons in 2 days.
One reason some find this challenge difficult and refuse to undertake it is the frequency required. Because you have to run 4 miles every 4 hours, it means you can’t get quality sleep. Sure, you might get a decent 2 and a half hours in but alarm bells will soon awaken you from a peaceful slumber and you will need to do your 4 miles. Sounds like hell to a lot of people.
It’s also difficult because the constant running will result in wear and tear on your legs. Your muscles will start to feel sorer and sorer as the challenge draws on, and each run becomes harder to start and maintain than the last. It’s a sheer test of mental strength and personal will.
❤️ SHARE WITH A FRIEND
Thanks for reading. If you liked today's newsletter, I'd love for you to share it with a friend. You can also leave a comment, I’d love to read your feedbacks !
If you want to know a little more about my work and my world, click on a link below !
