A cold walk to achieving goals

Today is the final day of the first month of the new year. The weather is sunny, but the cold makes my body shiver. One of my main goals for this year has been on my mind since 2019. Although I had the chance to start blogging a year later when I had nothing better to do, I chose not to—until now. I'm writing this while walking in the freezing cold, my last chance to publish a post before the month ends and check it off my goal plan.


Over the past year, I've been reading the same book on and off and can't stop talking about it. Today, I finally read the last word of it, and starting a new book feels like a betrayal.


The book is about the mind, how it works, and how we can use its functions for our benefit. What makes it interesting is that it was originally a 10-week course at Stanford University. The professor wrote the book to pass on knowledge after seeing people suffer. At the end of each topic, she shares experiences and challenges her students faced, showing how the practices and knowledge helped them overcome them.


After reading the book, you'll see yourself differently. It changes how you perceive normalcy and challenges, helping you gauge whether your reaction to a challenge is warranted or if you're being dramatic. The experiments and proofs in the book, especially if you're interested in the subject, are astonishing. You'll be surprised by the amount of information and lifelong experiments for understanding the human brain.


One revelation is how willpower is contagious. It's a familiar concept that our actions are influenced by those around us, but the scientific proof is impressive. Our minds duplicate the actions of those nearby, prompting us to consider how to shield ourselves from such behaviors.


In conclusion, I initially thought willpower, discipline, and commitment were things we are supposed to master but i discovered that they only mental workouts. Practicing and taking one step at a time make everything possible. We're not supposed to resist temptation with sheer force; everything builds over time, and discipline is no different.


I am just saying that better late than never, so here I am. 

Thanks for reading.

- Roba


P.S. The book is titled "The Willpower Instinct" by Kelly McGonigal.

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