The Long Term Lifequest
While struggling with constant fatigue and shifting schedules, I’ve realized that discipline is everything in reaching my goals. By creating daily routines and small patterns, I’m learning how to turn tiny steps into lasting change.
Octulos is the name I’ve given myself, and creativity is a big part of my life. I’m constantly looking for ways to grow in the things I love and to stay aware of the preparations I need to make to take the right steps toward the goals I have in mind.
I call this blog Lifequest. In it, I write once a month about my personal journey and the process of growth in my life. You can interpret it however you like — but this is my story. Each blog is called a Lifequest, and every Lifequest is posted on the 27th of each month. Each entry reflects on the month before — the October post is about September, the November post about October, and so on.
Appearances can be deceiving.
From night shifts to morning shifts, I’ve realized that my body and mind just don’t cope well with this rhythm. Being constantly tired doesn’t bring me any closer to the goals I care about. Even though these shifts make it feel like I have more free time before or after work, in reality, I end up sleeping less than in a normal 9-to-5. Appearances can be deceiving. I don’t want to complain — a job is a job, and bread is bread — but in these strange times, we’ve been given the chance to chase our own happiness. To follow mine and take steps toward my goals, I’ve spent time thinking carefully about how I want to move forward, step by step.
The truth about achieving goals is that it’s 80% discipline. When I’m tired, my discipline weakens, and my goals start to feel more distant. To keep my discipline intact, I want to first establish a stable daily rhythm. That’s why my first step is a new job. The reason I find a routine so important is that, by following a set schedule, I can build certain patterns into my daily life. Creating these patterns makes it easier to stick to a routine, but building patterns requires discipline. In this way, I learn discipline through maintaining patterns, and I create a routine that is built from these patterns.
If my theory is correct, I can incorporate the small steps toward my goals into my daily routine. This daily routine should serve as my path toward a happier life, more energy, and focus on both small and large personal goals. I understand that as you read this, you might start wondering what goals I’m working toward, but for now, I’m keeping that to myself. First, it’s time to start preparing for that. It’s also time to make choices — not just the ones that affect the next two hours of life, but choices that will impact the next five years.
What’s your opinion? What are your choices or goals, and what are your plans? If you’d like, you can share them in the comments below.
Until next time!
2 gedachten over “LifeQuest #001: Choices and Discipline”
Lailai
It’s the journey that is the most important. The journey where there are so many sidequests next to the main quest. The journey where we discover our skills and flaws. The journey where we rise and fall. During this journey you already learned the discipline to keep balance and reconize when balance fades. Step one, check!
No doubt you can learn yourself anything! You should already be proud!
My goals now are to prepare for the next 5 years, so hopefully I can buy that house (your vacation place 😋) in Spain and have even more time for my 🏞 creativity.
Desertfish
I think the biggest step is realizing you want to change something, and it’s important not to underestimate this. I also think it’s good to break your goals down into small steps with a final, larger goal. If you only focus on the larger goal, it can be far too ambitious and lead to disappointment. My biggest goal is to win the battle against the demons in my head and achieve mental peace. Persevere! Realize your worth! And above all, recognize the great strides you’ve already made!