You Already Know What to Do
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Hey friend, I’m a huge fan of journaling. When you’ve got a problem and you can’t figure out what it is you need to do, getting it out onto the page is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I’m reminded of the phrase: “If it’s in your head, you’re dead.” Getting it out on paper is one of the most cathartic and simple processes that we, as human beings, have. While journaling helps us get the thoughts swirling around in our heads out, sometimes we also want an exercise that helps us work through our problems. And that’s really effective. That’s something we should be aiming for. But in an age of self-development, it feels like everyone is constantly reading the next book, thinking the next exercise is waiting on the very next page—and finally, finally, they’ll unlock a life of productivity, progress, and success. I’m reminded of a funny meme I once saw: a sketched character flipping through a self-development book. Every page simply said: “This page already tells you what you know.” And that’s the truth. Deep down, we usually do know what needs to be done. But when we finally put it down on paper, it becomes real. We’re forced to acknowledge it. Still, so many of us fall into the trap of thinking that if we just do one more exercise, it’ll magically turn us into the person we aspire to be. Reality check: It’s not the exercise. It’s doing the work. And the work can take years. It’s not something you can hack in a 15-minute journaling session. Take self-belief, for example. You can write a list of your past successes, track the times you overcame challenges, and build evidence of your capability. That’s useful and it helps. But true self-belief? That can take decades. Find me a 50-year-old who truly believes in themselves on a deep, unshakeable level. I’ll wait. Exercises are guides, not cures. They are tools, ways to practice mindfulness and acknowledge what’s happening in the moment. But real progress? It happens out in the world. When you act. When you try. When you fail. When you keep going. If you find yourself about to start another exercise, thinking, this will finally fix me, Pause. Have you allowed enough time? Have you gotten out there and lived enough to give yourself a chance? Go get some scars. Fall down. Get back up. Sitting in a room writing notes to yourself won’t be the thing that turns you into the person you want to be. Living will. Quote I liked"Modern Luxury is the ability to think clearly, sleep deeply, move slowly, and live quietly, in a world that designed to prevent all four." - Justin Welsh Recommendation for youThe YouTube video of the episode of the show this week... Fixing Your Happiness Through Philosophy.- Jonny Thomson PodcastI have a podcast that helps you build a stronger mind to take on life. Like me, it's a work in progress. Subscribe to the podcast here. (p.s. If you can subscribe on Youtube that would be amazing.) I'll see you later, Lewis Try my Mindset app for sport here |
The Game Plan
Take on the next week with lessons, perspectives, or insights for your mindset.
Hi friend, One of my flaws has always been thinking the grass might be greener somewhere else. I’ve thought about it for a long time — to the point where it chewed me up. I’d sit with decisions for far too long, caught in the spiral of what if I waited? what if the better option is just around the corner? It held me back. For years. I struggled to make choices that felt truly mine, because I was too afraid I’d miss out on something better. That I’d commit to something good, but not great. I...
Hey friend, I’ve been thinking about progress a lot lately. Over the past year, one area I’ve seen real growth in is my gym work. I started following RP Strength on YouTube, downloaded their app, and the gains I’ve made in muscle and hypertrophy have been noticeable—to say the least. But none of it came quickly. It’s been slow, methodical, and structured. Week by week, session by session, I followed a plan. Reps went up, weight increased slightly, and over time, my body adapted. Not in days,...
Hey friend, You work for years. You sacrifice, obsess, chase. And then it happens. You win. You achieve the thing. You get exactly what you said you wanted. But then, once it’s completed and done, you suddenly feel a sense of emptiness. You’re left thinking — is this it? The glow of that ambition-fuelled, obsessive mindset—the one that carried you to the top—vanishes almost instantly. The state that once felt intoxicating is gone, and with it, the purpose that was driving you forward. You...