Life

Why do we avoid doing hard things?

by

At its core, we all want to do easy and fun things. But why do you think that is? Why do we want to avoid hard things?

To some extent, this is a game of dopamine. You do easy and fun things like checking your social media, or watching TV because you get high dopamine without much effort.

Look at this graph:

Here are some of the inferences from this:

  1. You get high dopamine with less effort in Social Media / TV etc, hence it is the easiest to do.
  2. In sports or exercises, if you put effort you will get dopamine; hence, you are still ready to do it.
  3. Hard things like studying & working on presentations etc require intense work and you don’t get immediate dopamine. Hence it is the hardest to do.

So what are the ways to do hard things?

Dopamine detox, get rid of easy ways of getting dopamine and keep away from things like social media or TV. If you can’t completely avoid it, at least have regular intervals of detoxes so that you like doing hard things even to get a lower level of dopamine.

Now if you start getting rid of access to high dopamine, you will be bored, but that’s good because then you will look for harder dopamine and will start doing good things that matter in life.

What do you want?

by

Whenever you’re faced with a dilemma in decision making, ask yourself this simple question: “What do you want?” Whatever answer you get, use it as your guide to move towards your goal.

How Do You Measure Progress?

by

How do you measure your progress? Is it through job hierarchy, financial increments, more power in your hands, or greater influence over others?

Whatever method you use—whether it’s money, power, or influence—you’ll find it exhausting. The moment you achieve one level, you’re immediately striving for the next.

Instead, try measuring progress through inner knowledge, your soul, and intrinsic values. While it’s challenging in today’s world, these metrics have lasting value. Examples include peace of mind, being close to nature, and feeling free in life. These seemingly small things truly give us life and serenity.

Many of us will continue to chase money and power, but hopefully, one day we’ll realize the importance of inner peace and fulfillment.

The Complex Art of Lying…

by

Liars, in their way, show a unique level of engagement. They care enough to manipulate the truth, steering situations to align with their desires. While honesty is crucial, understanding the motives behind lies can reveal deeper intentions and a complex human need for control and influence.

Yoga and the Wisdom of Our Organs…

by

I’m no medical expert, but my recent dedication to yoga has deepened my appreciation for its benefits.

I’ve observed that yoga offers specific asanas targeting every organ in our body—do you wonder why that is? Each organ uniquely contributes to our overall health, suggesting a holistic approach to bodily functions. Fascinatingly, modern studies indicate that the gut might not just be our “second brain” but could arguably be considered the primary one, due to its critical influence on our health and decision-making.

This raises an interesting point: perhaps we haven’t fully explored the potential of other organs. Generally, research focuses on areas with prevalent issues, like the extensive studies on stomach health that have led to the gut’s reputation as our “second brain.” Imagine the possibilities if more attention were directed towards other organs—might we identify a “third brain” among them?

Medical research is indeed racing to keep up with the intricacies of the human body, and the future may hold even more remarkable revelations.

In the meantime, practicing yoga remains one of the best ways to activate and maintain the health of every organ in our body.

The Sound of Sleepers…

by

Have you ever noticed that we never have a problem with the noise our own slippers make while walking? While we have problem when others make the same noise, it’s a subtle reminder that we judge others much more critically than ourselves.

I remember an incident at a party. While browsing the buffet, I spotted a ring on the ground. It was an iron ring, often referred to in Hindu culture as a “ghode ki naal ring” (horse shoe ring), and is considered auspicious.

Looking at it, I thought to myself, “Whose ring is this? It looks so pathetic.” I didn’t pick it up, but showed it to a couple of friends, asking whose ring it was. Then it hit me—it was my ring. I had dropped it without noticing it.

As soon as I realized it was my ring, my perception changed and it was no longer pathetic. I wondered how I could have judged it so harshly. I quickly picked it up and wore it again. This incident made me realize how fast and cruel our judgments can be when something seems to belong to someone else, compared to when it’s our own.

This experience was a powerful reminder of the biases we hold. When we perceive something as ours, we are more forgiving and understanding. But when it belongs to someone else, our judgments can be swift and harsh. It’s a lesson in empathy and self-awareness, highlighting the need to check our biases and be kinder in our judgments.

Next time you hear the sound of your slippers, remember: the noise isn’t bothersome because it’s yours. Extend that understanding to others, and the world will be a more compassionate place.

Feel the enjoyment…

by

Whatever you are doing even if it is under pressure for a job. If you can make yourself feel the enjoyment of the process and progress. You will in the end start enjoying it.

So don’t worry about what others are saying or doing, you feel the enjoyment. And cut the crap of doing what you want, what you like, because those are whimsical and will change a dime a dozen.

The best way is to enjoy what you are doing and live happily.

Make commitments to yourself…

by

If you make commitments to yourself, there is a good chance you will do it.

But what’s hard is committing to yourself.

Two things are required for that,

First, need to know what has to be accomplished.

Second, need to know why it has to be accomplished.

Once you have both it’s easy to make the commitment and do it, and the when becomes clear.