Atomic

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of meditation.

Yet, there’s also a good chance you’re not meditating consistently.

Why?

It’s important, not urgent. It’s easy to push off. And, like working out, it’s not something you see the benefits of right away.

So, this atomic essay is simply a gentle reminder: meditate daily.

Never meditated before and don’t know where to start?

Commit to 10 days of the following prescription:

1. Set a timer for 20 minutes.
2. Focus on your breath.
3. When your attention drifts from the breath… note it. Go back to the breath.
4. Compare how you feel on Day 1 vs. Day 10.
5. Report back!

[Day 4/30]

I have a confession to make…

When the election rolled around in November, I paid attention.

It sucked up my energy for a solid three days. And then I wondered where the time went. Obviously, I could not control the election. But I still focused on it.

As a result?

I felt the symptoms. Low energy, despondent, in a funk.

But then I snapped out of it… because I realized I could not control it. I could control my reaction to it.

Today’s events in Washington D.C. are no different.

I cannot do anything about it.

So, instead of complaining, focusing on it, or getting involved in the train wreck….

I will instead choose to focus on what I can control.

Myself.

Selfish?

Perhaps.

But in order to help others, we must first be help ourselves.

[Day 3 of 30]

Accountability is the most underrated force in the world.

If someone expects you to do something – and you respect that person – there’s a good chance you do it.

Why?

Because we’re biologically wired to desire respect from those we respect.

The problem?

People are lonely in 2021. Isolated. By themselves.

And when nobody is watching us, we’re less likely to be our best selves.

In order to solve this problem, we need to seek out accountability partners.

That could mean publicly claiming: “I will do this.” That could mean hopping on Focusmate. That could mean updating someone we admire with our progress.

Whatever you’re trying to achieve, accountability makes it easier.

Day 1 of 30.

I signed up for a writing challenge.

30 days. 30 atomic essays (250 words or less).

Guess what?

Today is not Day 1 of the challenge.

It’s Day 0. The challenge hasn’t actually begun yet.

But I’m starting anyway.

Because if I’m going to do it tomorrow, why not just do it today also?

Perhaps an example can better illustrate this… 

Let’s imagine you’re starting a new diet. You’re planning all week to begin your program on Monday. 

But why? 

Who decided Monday was the start of the week?

You could just as easily make progress in this moment.

When you choose to delay doing the work, you choose to delay the rewards as well.

So start before you’re supposed to.