Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Overextension

For as long as I can remember, I've been driven by a desire to excel in multiple areas. Whether it’s mastering languages like Japanese and Arabic, studying geotechnical engineering, learning to ski, or writing various forms of literature, my aspirations were endless. The result? A sense of stagnation and a realization that trying to do everything led to accomplishing nothing.

Reflecting on this, I stumbled across a quote that resonated with my experience: "Doing it all gets nothing done." A decade ago, I attempted to learn a new language but quickly lost interest, jumping from one to another without making real progress. This cycle of fleeting engagement left me feeling intellectually unfulfilled.

But through a long process of trial and error, I discovered three vital strategies that made consistency attainable for someone with my eclectic interests.

Section 1.1: Start Smaller Than Small

It's crucial to avoid the trap of thinking you have to make grand gestures. Starting with a huge leap often leads to burnout and disappointment. Instead, I adopted a mantra inspired by James Clear: "When making plans, think big. When making progress, think small."

This approach, which I refer to as the "smaller-than-small framework," encourages you to ask:

1. Will I find this habit easy to sustain for the long term?
2. Can I maintain this habit even on my worst days?
3. Is this habit manageable even during difficult times?

If your answer is "no" to any of these, make your habit even smaller. Initially, this may feel too easy, but it’s essential for creating a lasting identity associated with that habit.

Chapter 2: Focus on Character Over Outcomes

One of the core lessons from Stoic philosophy is the importance of relinquishing control over outcomes. Early in my writing journey, I fixated on metrics like views and likes, allowing those numbers to dictate my self-worth. The truth is, outcomes are beyond your control; what matters is the character you build through consistent actions.

To cultivate this mindset, I shifted my focus toward embodying the person I aspired to be. By prioritizing character over results, I found that motivation stemmed from the journey, not just the destination.

In this video, Benjamin Hardy discusses how aiming for larger goals can actually simplify your journey, encouraging viewers to dream bigger for transformational success.

This insightful video covers five mindset practices that significantly increased my income, emphasizing the importance of changing your thinking to achieve better outcomes.

Conclusion

Previously, I spent a significant amount of time engrossed in YouTube and gaming, struggling to maintain consistency in my pursuits. However, by implementing the strategies outlined in this article, I began to see real change in my life.

To summarize:

1. Start smaller than small—set lofty goals but take manageable steps.
2. Let go of pride—embrace a learning mindset and view every experience as a chance to grow.
3. Focus on character—prioritize your personal growth over external validation.

These principles, while simple in theory, can be challenging to apply consistently. Yet, the key is perseverance. The ultimate goal is to keep striving for consistency, even amidst setbacks. Over time, you will find that the journey becomes easier, and the results will follow.