Cruise Control

I found so much fulfillment with life in general once I flipped on my cruise control. I also stopped viewing the feeling of contentment as a negative thing or something that had to be earned. 

"I'll be content once I make a certain amount of money." 

"I'll be good once I'm successful and my work is recognized" 

"I can relax once I get this film finished."

But see how time waits for no wo(man) I wouldn’t suggest putting your life on hold for these things. It leaves you wondering where all your days have gone once you finally get what you were after. Time flies, especially when you are focused on the end. 

Speaking of success, James Baldwin mentioned that "An artist will never be successful because once you view yourself as a success, you are finished."

So if success is the finish line, why am I in such a hurry to get there?

*flips on cruise control*

Do the Right Math

Believe it or not, I first saw this feeling of contentment as a red flag. 

I thought, 

"I must not be progressing. Have I subconsciously given up? 

The limit does not exist when you are on your own timeline

These anxious thoughts came from the old math I was doing when reflecting on my progress. 

I used to judge my progression on how many things I'd achieved or how many goals I hit. But this formula only equates to unfulfillment because you are counting days that aren't necessarily significant but dedicated to reaching that one goal. Chasing moments leaves you with a lot of empty days in between.

I stopped viewing goals and achievements as destinations. I see them now as checkpoints along my journey. I track my progress by committing to enjoying my days in between those checkpoints.

Life is more significant than a few great moments. (Goals + achievements)

A lot of really good days > a few great moments 

The gag is that those few great moments fall within those good days when you commit to having them.

Content vs. Comfortable 

It's not contentment that should be a red flag; it's comfortability. To experience real growth and progress, you must exist out of your comfort zone. If you commit to remaining comfortable, you'll never feel content.

To be content with my physic and body, I must commit to being out of my comfort zone 3-5x a week for early morning gym sessions.

The goal is to be content as you move along your journey. 

I be fighting for my life on this treadmill lowkey