Living well, creating ourselves and our lives into something like great music means balancing various flows within us. Just like the way we use dials on a stereo to control the bass and treble, in our lives we have the ability to give ourselves compassion and discipline. Both are required for optimal living.
We might be surprised, though, to note that the more we increase one, the more the other automatically increases. Popular opinion has it that if we give ourselves compassion, if we cut ourselves some slack, then we will lose motivation, we’ll lose discipline. Yet the reverse is true.
When we trust we are doing our best (self-discipline) we can feel good about all that we do, including (and especially) ‘failures.’ The truth is there are no failures, only learning opportunities. Similarly, when we give ourselves the space to learn (aka ‘fail’), we are more motivated and inspired to develop ourselves.
Take a moment to tune into yourself and your life right now – what do you need to turn up for yourself and your best state of living?
Do you know Victor Frankl? He’s one of the greatest inspirations for me. His life and courage frequently remind of what we are all capable.
This very short video encapsulates so much. In my own life I’m fascinated by my learning about yoga, business, child development, human potential and learning – all of which have incredible overlap. Here Victor points to a key component: meaning and motivation.
What a great blog and revealing post.