I feel ya. It's almost like the self-help book industry preys on our vulnerability and appetite for this sort of information, though I certainly hope the authors set out with better intentions.
112 karma · joined February 6, 2011
That said, I did give a very long and audible sigh when reading your post. It feels like a cop out, but perhaps one day I'll have to accept my own mediocrity.
Ow. That hurt. (But thanks, I'll definitely use that quote in the future!)
I've learned several -- it's just by circumstance that Java happens to pay the bills at the moment, though I can't say I was substantially happier when I wasn't writing Java.
And if you aren't, get some more sun, by your comments, your body is probably wanting a shift into earlier hours?
But it's so awfully cold in the morning! (cue the criticism about lack of willpower)
Also, set some lower goals for yourself in smaller tasks and get them done quickly.
Will do. I've tried a bit of this recently but the level of satisfaction felt disproportionately small... but that could just be my mental filter.
Also, play some Red Dead Redemption or your video game of choice. They can really help reduce stress and provide escapes to clear your head after a day of work or when you need to shift to relax.
As a former video game addict, I'm terrified of a relapse.
One side-benefit of the absurd working hours I put in over the years was that it took away all my time and broke my obsessive gaming habit. I suffer withdrawal symptoms from time to time when I see other people having a nice time at their battlestations, but I like to think I've learned some self-control.
I'll definitely have to try that more often! (Though there's a good chance it'll be stars rather than clouds...)
Correct on all counts -- nothing tying me down, and my rainy day fund can keep me fed, clothed, and sheltered for years.
I actually get a decent amount of exercise -- minimum 40 minutes per day, I'd estimate. It certainly has plenty of benefits, but the energy seems to evaporate once I get down in front of my keyboard again.
I definitely can go out and change things, but I think my mindset is holding me back. It's almost like I would be doing with the expectation that this would "fix" me, and that anything short of that would be a waste.
Yes, yes, I know I'll regret the things I didn't do. But I fear that I'm setting myself up for failure this way with unrealistic expectations.