About What You Got To Do...To Do
Post 1218:
I’m not a naturally good decision maker. Nah. Because I know some of those types. When I was in college they would go to bed on time and make breakfast before class. They wouldn’t procrastinate. Hell, they didn’t even eat too much. I used to think they were boring. Maybe I still do. But certainly not as much. Now boring seems wise. Or wiser. I’m a little undecided. Perhaps my lack of wisdom and forethought prevent me from reaching a point of clarity on this matter.
I can offer some thoughts on how to deal with being unwise. These are some examples of how I drag myself through the day to day. I hope they are efficacious for you similarly afflicted.
Basically, I have to put myself in situations where performing and making the mark are the only possible options. Stakes are important in life, just like in storytelling. So in order to exercise, for instance, I go running in terrible conditions many miles from home. Then when I inevitably want to quit, I’m stranded. No options. Run home. Get. And make it fast. Because it’s Texas and 110 freaking degrees. Death is possible. Ain’t no spring chicken here.
Another option is to run on a treadmill. But not for me. There’s no way I have the willpower to keep going when all I have to do is step off and breathe in a climate controlled environment. There’s not enough force. No life-threatening coercion. No stakes.
Of course, wise people understand that there are always stakes. They want health and wealth and energy and all around good habits because these are salutary and good for their own sake.
I generally don’t consider any of that crap.
If this sounds insane, it is. And if you're not like me, nice. However please enjoy reading about how strange life could’ve been. If, on the other hand, you can relate, let me expand. My friend, you are not alone.
Here’s a great one. The only “job” I can hold down is one where a bunch of people are looking at me on stage, waiting to be entertained. Possibly, wondering when and how I’ll screw up. That pressure of performance and possibility of failure are the stakes I need to go through the motions. I’ve had normal jobs. Not great. There’s not enough pressure.
We all have to get psyched up. That’s all this is, really. We get in circles before big games and jump up and down and holler about how the other team is evil and then we turn on some hardcore tunes and get out there because winning is all that matters. Losing is the worst. You’ll never recover.
I’m sorry. Those are the stakes.
It’s interesting to think about. Motivation is a tricky subject. At this point, I somewhat agree with the notion that necessity is the mother of invention. Comfortable makes me soft. Maybe that’s just me. Probably. I guess when Edison finally created the light bulb he didn’t just put his feet up and say, “Well, time for a break.”
He obviously came up with more stakes. There’s always something. Whatever it takes to get on. It’s a tough world. Do what you got to do, to do. Cheers and see you after.
