Reading/Learning/Reflection/Devotion

1/21/2023 (Originally posted 12/30/2021)

Reading/Learning/Reflection/Devotion

Casual reading was never my thing…I would seldom read for enjoyment.

Sure, I did a lot of reading for work, keeping up with news, searching the web, but not books.

My brain was always programmed more for numbers, data, formulas and problem solving….reading just wasn’t appealing.

One of the required daily tasks of the 75Hard program was 10 pages of daily non-fiction/entrepreneurship/personal development reading for 75 days straight.

10 pages doesn’t sound like much to most “readers” but it would take a while for me to get through it. I’m not a fast reader and need to go back over things a couple times to comprehend properly. Most days, the 10 pages would consume 25-30 minutes.

In the 75Hard book, Andy Frisella writes “The brain is like a muscle, and like any other muscle. It gets tired when you work it. But when you work it, it grows. So. if you are truly committed to educating yourself more and more every day, that will – by necessity – demand that you become more focused, disciplined, and persistent.”

Isn’t that what we are all after as we prepare for the challenge? Increased mental strength, stronger decision-making habits, persistence.

I took on the reading task, and was able to read 6 books…and learned so much that I NEVER otherwise would have….about many different topics….in just 75 days….I realized what I had been missing…and have since established a new hobby at 57 years old…READING! (who knew?)

It was through that experience I decided to make daily READING a suggested step in this process.

Make an attempt to read 20-30 minutes of non-fiction personal development content – every day – as part of your journey.

Book suggestions:

“Can’t Hurt Me” (Master your Mind and Defy the Odds) David Goggins

“Atomic Habits” (Tiny Changes/Remarkable Results An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones) James Clear

“How to Make Sh*t Happen” (Make more money, Get in better shape. Create epic relationships. Control your life.) Sean Whalen

“The Obesity Code” (Unlocking the Secrets to Weight Loss) Dr. Jason Fung

“Relentless” (From Good To Great To Unstoppable) Tim Grover

“75 Hard” (The tactical guide to winning the war with yourself) Andy Frisella

You can also take this time daily to research more about your diet type, find new meal suggestions, develop a new skill, learn to play an instrument or a foreign language.

Just make sure when you are done that your brain has been filled with knowledge it may have never discovered otherwise…and you’ll be grateful. (and smarter!)

Reflection and Devotion:

Reflection is a way of processing thoughts and actions about a situation. It gives us an opportunity to come to terms with our thoughts and feelings…maybe adjust our future approach or strategy.

Reflect on your progress each day – what went right – what could have gone better – what made you feel accomplished – what did not – consider starting a journal – write your thoughts down – it doesn’t need to be formal – it’s for your use only – and no one else needs to see it.

Then plan, in your mind, what tomorrow is going to look like. Don’t reflect on today and say “I can’t do this tomorrow…I’m done…” – rather say – “I can do this BETTER tomorrow by….”

Devotion is defined as “an act of prayer or private worship – usually in plural.”

After losing the weight and looking back in the rear-view mirror I’ve often thought “How in the hell did you accomplish that?” and to keep the weight off – it’s sometimes strange for me to think about – I’m not bragging – It’s actually quite humbling to think – I was just like any other fat guy – I’m not special by any means (Scally and Opper keep quiet!), but somehow, I was given the STRENGTH to “pull it off”.

Sure there was personal accountability and dedication, some hard work, but the fact is, I was NOT that strong alone – I had help – I’m convinced I was guided and strengthened through my faith and devotion to be successful – and I reflect on that often – and am forever grateful that I was granted that spiritual strength at the time when I needed it – and continue to be blessed with improved health daily – and I wish ALL OF YOU the same blessings!