I'm Awake with a Start

​I received my usual email from James Clear and it contained what I consider to be a number of truisms.  Rather than concentrate on one point I have included the things that he said with my own comments from what I have experienced.

1. "Don't let the hope of finding a better way prevent you from starting down the best path you know of right now. This day won't come again."

I honestly think making a start is so important.  It can be the hardest thing but as the say it is easier to turn a moving ship.  So often the start is not perfect and changes are needed along the way.  What matters most is the finish and the aim is to finish or I will live with regrets.

1. "The usual story is that people with "good genes" are those with incredible athleticism or remarkable intelligence, but sometimes I wonder if the greatest genetic edge goes to the people with whatever genes encourage the desire to compete, the ability to stay focused, and the enjoyment of practice."

This matters so much to me.  I remember hearing someone say, “I’m tired of hearing of potential.”  I felt I knew where they were coming from.  Potential to me represents possibilities.  Yet possibilities are so often unrealised.  To me “good genes” are a good thing and a head start, but they do not represent the finished product.  Hard work and persistence matter to me more than having all that is needed yet never using what is at hand.

1. "Focus on the things you are for, not the things you are against.  Many people spend large chunks of their day thinking about what they hate. They are always telling you about something they dislike: this food, that subject, this political party, that coworker.  You are more than your frustrations. Build your identity around what you love."

Again this to me is crucial.  I say often what I focus on gets bigger.  Therefore to avoid possibly becoming twisted and obsessed with something I may rightly be against, I like to focus on solutions rather than problems.
To me so much of this is healthy.  None of it necessitates me being above average or starting with a distinct advantage.  It all necessitates me being ready, willing and able.  Seeing difficulties as perhaps opportunities in disguise and getting the job done.