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.
Hey friend, I rewatched a clip from a Jim Carrey commencement speech, where he talked about his father. His dad had the chance to follow a passion — ironically, comedy — but chose a “safe” job instead. A practical option. A stable path. But the safe path wasn’t so safe. He was laid off. Lost everything. And that’s when Carrey realised: if even the safe option can fail, why not take a chance on what you really want? That lesson stuck with me. But — it comes with a warning. As Scott Galloway...
Hey friend, Real quick, I've got an idea for coaches, so if you are on, check this out. Anyway. I found this neat little trick you can use when your mind starts spiralling — when you’re anxious, under pressure, or frustrated. Most of us, when we feel overwhelmed, get swept away by our emotions. We start running on autopilot. Thoughts get loud. Rational thinking disappears. And we spiral. One way to stop that spiral is to disassociate — to create just enough space between you and what you’re...
Hey friend, I think we witnessed one of the greatest sporting finals in a long time — if not in history. But more than that, we witnessed something that can teach us a lesson in life. Carlos Alcaraz was 5–3 down in the third set against Jannik Sinner. And while many in that situation — after a long tournament, a long journey toward something they desperately want — would throw in the towel, Alcaraz didn’t. He showed us how sport is a mirror to life. Because if you can bring yourself back to...