Perhaps the one virtue that I need the most work in is self-discipline. I need to stop letting my emotions limit my productivity. When I'm feeling bored or fidgety or frustrated, I need to discipline myself to either deal with the emotions quickly or file them away until I have time to fully work through the issues that are causing the emotions. I have found that I use common procrastination techniques when in these moods - reading favorite blogs, perusing Facebook, chatting with co-workers. Not that these activities are not purposeful in their own right, but they should not be used as distractions when I need to complete other goals.
It means more time focused on weekly and yearly goals. It means truly believing that my goals are important and worthy of the time I put into them. I may need to remind myself of the happiness that completing goals brings to my life (especially if those goals are life affirming).
It's good to know I'm not the only one dealing with this sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteI often struggle with emotions that are so overpowering that they disrupt my concentration even (and sometimes, especially) when I try to apply discipline. I'm not always aware of experiencing emotion at these times; I'm aware only of the sensation of overwhelm, or of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Dealing with this state of mind entails reminding myself that my goals are attainable, and that the work I'm doing will pay off in some way even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. It also entails stepping back and examining the way I'm approaching the problem, to make sure I'm going about it properly and not just stubbornly spinning my gears.
Ironically, i'm reading this blog for that very reason. . . :)
ReplyDeleteDitto what you said, John, and the above comments to. :)
ReplyDeleteI got a new job, and I'm experiencing so many negative emotions and reactions with the team, the work, the tools (lack thereof), the way they do business. I'm depressed, back on anxiety meds, and overeating. I believe that my problem is I'm letting my negative emotions get the best of me.... And, so I'm reading (and going to practice) self-discipline when it comes to my emotions. I need to change. I'm driving my spouse up a wall, my friends have heard this all before... blah, blah, blah. I think my root problem is over the last 10-15 years, that I've never choosen to react differently, because I never exerted that will-power. I'm just so glad I'm not alone.
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