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The Simplicity of Discipline: Thriving Without the Baggage of Expectations
Expectations are Part of Our Ego
Dropping all expectations isn’t that easy.
We usually do not look at reality as it is, due to it coloured by our beliefs, ideals, fantasies, frustrations, and assumptions. Expectations become part of our ego and becomes the reason we feel discouraged, overwhelmed and inadequate.
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Key Ideas
Don't Expect, Accept
Expecting more from the self can help us change the course of our life. Wanting to be in better shape, or learning a new skill is the first step towards self- motivation and eventually action.
Any shortcomings or obstacles (like missing a day of action) make us see expectations in a different light, something that chains us and moves us away from the simplicity of self-discipline.
Having No Expectations
Instead of imposing a daily habit, where self-expectation is bound to happen, we can simply appreciate the habit and let ourselves move naturally towards it.
This takes the stress out of the activity, and we enjoy it more. Due to zero expectation, we change a mindset from ‘have to do’ into ‘want to do’.
Any failure in the habit does not lead to any discouragement or demotivation, and we start to do the activity more often and become more and more present in it.
The Simple Discipline Of Work
When you have a to-do list with ten to fifteen tasks, including five important ones, the simple discipline of work needs to be implemented:
- Choose one task that feels important while letting go of the others for a short while, as they can become your distractions.
- Be in the moment and do the task, staying in it completely.
- Let go of any expectations of the burden of tasks, and choose the next one when the task at hand is complete.
- Remain stress-free and do not overwork yourself, resting when you need to.
The Discipline of Consistent Habits
When we pick a habit, we face a challenge of maintaining the consistency of the daily action. The simple discipline of habit can be implemented:
- Set aside a time and space to commit yourself for a certain habit(like journaling).
- Do the habit, even if you feel a certain resistance.
- Try to appreciate your work, and let go of how you think it should be done.
- Repeat this for the next few days.
- Do not fret if you miss a day, not getting in the expectation trap.
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Committing to actually starting
Overcome your mind's resistance to get started by saying, "I'm all in. I'm going to start today." Then get moving. If you're not good at this, commit to making a small habit change this instant.
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Focus on starting
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The lack of true rest
It drains us out of our energy to the point where we're never fully present, fully alive in the moment.
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What true rest looks like
A few ways to rest that feel very replenishing:
- Closing your eyes, lying down, and doing nothing.
- Going outside without using a device.
- Relaxing with someone else. Feeling connection with them.
- Being fully present with a simple activity, like drinking coffee.
- Playing music, creating art, dancing etc.
How to relax
You can relax while doing something (having a bath, a cup of coffee etc.) You don’t have to be lying down, with your eyes closed.
The key is to make this the one thing that you’re doing. Be all in with this task, instead of jumping around.
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Simplify by limiting
We can choose what we want in our lives deliberately, and what we don’t want and then set limits (or eliminate) that activity.
For example, limit sugar to a snack every week, watch videos only between 6-7 pm etc. These kinds of limits help us to simplify and be more deliberate.
Set intentions when starting the day
When you start your day, or any meaningful activity, ask what your intentions are for the day or that activity.
Do you want to be more present? Do you want to move your mission forward? Do you want to be compassionate with your loved ones? Set intentions and try to hold that intention as you move through the day or that meaningful activity.
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