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> This battle is the worst, because you are fighting it with yourself — not with anyone else. It’s damn hard to win against someone who knows you inside out and
by joslin01 11y ago
> This battle is the worst, because you are fighting it with yourself — not with anyone else. It’s damn hard to win against someone who knows you inside out and knows your every weak spot (which are plenty).
This line of thinking is one of many general problems with the world. Many of us walk around fighting a battle in our head that does not exist. The last line stands out the most because it presumes there could be a winner. How can that be if you're the one who's making the rules?
It gets worse for founders because there's always something to be doing and always some problem going on. A couple of mental hops and they've now incorrectly associated their peace with the success of their business. This is bound to fail even if you do very well -- you'll always be fighting "problems".
Forgiveness goes a long way. Learning how to forgive others will teach you how to better forgive yourself and visa-versa. It's not noble to lash yourself on the back with a mental whip because you didn't live up to some superficial aim.
I don't care what happens to this stupid body of mine -- I'll die someday like the rest of you. This awareness shields me from damaging myself with superficial qualities that change with each passing whim.
Finally, I don't suggest pumping your body full of drugs to protect yourself from your thoughts. First, work with the thoughts and forgiveness then move onto drugs if they would help you better find the peace you need to forgive and let go.
- startupfounder 11y ago> A couple of mental hops and they've now incorrectly associated their peace with the success of their business. This. Personally, I find physical activity the best way to combat this. Last year I biked 4,000 miles commuting and on long weekend rides, lost 30lbs and feel super healthy physically and mentally. Now I attack situations in my business and personal life like a big hill climb. I know I am going to get through the pain, I try to embrace the pain because I know if I don't give up I will be stronger because of it.
- noir_lord 11y agoLost 60lbs last year and got back to a semblance of decent shape (used to be a exercise nut) that had a big effect but not the largest effect. That came from sorting out my sleep, I set an alarm for 8am and no matter how tired I was I got up at 8am, after 3-4 days I naturally fell into a proper sleep pattern (head down around midnight, asleep by half past). I've struggled on and off with insomnia since I was a teenager and this "up at 8 every day" approach has worked really well so far, sucks getting up at 8am on a weekend when you have nothing to do but tight sleep pattern is worth more.
- randycupertino 11y agoValerian root and trazodone did wonders for my insomnia.
- xlm1717 11y ago>The last line stands out the most because it presumes there could be a winner. How can that be if you're the one who's making the rules? Reminds me of a quote from Stargate SG-1: "The only way to win is to deny the battle."
- bostik 11y agoI prefer the more cynical version: "The only way to win is to cheat."
- salmonet 11y agoI think this is good but I would add diet and exercise. I'm sure many will disagree, but my experience has been that diet and exercise are even more effective than mental tricks.
- mendelk 11y agoI'm afraid that some times you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh,_the_Places_You%27ll_Go https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh,_the_Places_You%27ll_Go!