31st December 2009
Do something difficult!
Man becomes a slave to his constantly repeated acts. What he at first chooses, at last compels.
Orison Swett Marden
By nature most of us avoid pain and we seek to do things which give us pleasure and joy. When it comes to doing something, we evaluate the work involved, and if it involves some amount of risk and uncertainty, we avoid doing it. This is human nature and we find this as a common trait in most of us. Over a period of time, this becomes our second nature and attitude. This style of living does not tax our abilities and soon we settle down to this approach in life. After all, we operate from a comfort zone.
But successful people differ from most of us in this perspective. They love doing something difficult and taking the same as a challenge. When others give up, they take it up. When others hesitate, they plunge into it. They love the tension and stress that is associated with this and they enjoy doing this. As in our case, this becomes their second nature and attitude. After all we become conditioned to what we do repeatedly.
We can come out of mindset of only doing things which are easy. That calls for a specific strategy. Every month decide to do something which you consider as difficult. Don't attempt to do things which are impossible. There is a difference between what is impossible and what is difficult. Take something which is simple to start with which does not involve a major risk. For example how long can you remain silent? Half an hour? One hour? Half a day? One day? Choose the duration which is not impossible, but, which is difficult and do it. Another example is how much time you can type or write continuously? How long can you keep awake? Do it and experience how you feel when you complete the task. You will be excited. It will reinforce your own confidence level and self worth.
Once you have started with something which is simple, then graduate into something which is more difficult and do it. While doing it, don't attempt to do something which will make you diffident.
Do this exercise regularly and notice how you feel. Over a period of time, your mind will accept this style of living and you will become comfortable with accepting difficult tasks and activities. You will notice that after all it was not as difficult as you imagined!
THERE CANNOT BE A BETTER DAY THAN 31ST DECEMBER TO SEND THIS MESSAGE! WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY, PROSPEROUS AND CHALLEGING NEW YEAR. IN THE YEAR AHEAD TAKE UP SOMETHING REALLY CHALLENGING AND DIFFICULT TO MATCH ALL THE HIDDEN TALENTS YOU HAVE!
N C Sridharan
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