Distraction free writing mode…right.
My distractions aren’t usually on the screen in front of me when I’m sitting down to write, they are in my head. Sure, my 20 open tabs probably aren’t too helpful but I’m finding that the harder part for me is staying mentally focused on the task at hand.
I just clicked on another tab but now I’m back. Distractions.
When it comes to normal people getting and/or staying fit and healthy distractions can kill progress. Distractions can come in the shape of a “new” super diet, comparison to others, putting to much worth in the scale or mirror, or this that and the other fitness trends (I’m looking at you sauna, cold plunge, and red-light therapy). My point is not that making changes is not needed at times or that those things don’t matter or work at all. It is that the practices that are the most significant drivers of real sustained progress in fitness are the ones people have been doing for ages. The things that work are ‘boring’. I read this quote from Jon Goodman recently, I really like it.
Be ‘boring’.
-Wake up early.
-Go to bed early.
-Go for long walks.
-Drink mostly water.
-See friends and family.
-Turn off social media often.
-Eat the same nutritious foods.
-Progress using the same exercises.
Isn’t it ironic how being boring makes for bad content but a great life.
It hits the nail on the head. What are we working towards? Year round 6-pack abs? Elite sports performance? Probably not. If you’re like me you’re interested in a great life. A life that isn’t limited by what you’re able to do or how you perceive your appearance or what your doctor says. More so, a life that is filled with activities and people that you love!
We can get that life by staying focused on a few things that are proven time and time again to help get us there. The distractions usually do a better job of getting us off course than getting us a great life quicker.
I’ve got another quote from Jon Goodman to wrap this up. His recent newsletter was solid..
Everybody knows how to be in good shape. But they don’t do it. Why? Because wrong is easier. Short-term hacks and quick-fixes are easier. And right is effort.
Stay focused on what matters to you and what actually works. It will take effort, but knowing that your effort isn’t wasted is the way to freedom.
– Charlie