There’s a threshold beyond which I become energy-depleted. When I was 40, I was exhausted after only 1 hour at the gym or one international flight.
Over the years I have practiced pushing that threshold.
A few days ago I took a car ride of 9 hours in a snow-storm, with one short break to refuel. After I arrived, I went to play tennis for 3 hours. I came home and found no meal prepared, so I cooked one, without complaints. I say “without complaints” because when you’re energy-depleted is usually when you get grumpy.
If you’re puzzled why I would go play Tennis and Cook after an 9 hour drive, it’s because of the practice of pushing beyond the threshold of exhaustion.
I like pushing beyond the limits. One of my favorite sayings is
TIREDNESS IS AN EXCUSE!
The result is that I have much more energy than I used to. At age 40, if I drove for 8 hours I’d want to go to sleep upon arrival. There was absolutely no discussion and no alternative to sleep. But if you push your mind and body a bit further each time, the body magically, miraculously produces more energy! 🔋
You receive the energy you need.
I practice the same in the mental. To be able to complete as many books as I have, I reduce dopamine-reward activities such as browsing on social media, watching yet another movie, etc. and just sit down from early morning to evening typing out the rest of a book. Afterwards I’m asked whether I’d like to go to a lecture that evening. Or whether I’m available for coaching a student. I could say “No thanks, I’m tired”. But I’ve learned not to say “I’m tired”. It’s not a good mantra to keep repeating.
So I say “Sure, let’s do it”. After focusing for 8 hours what could be better than focusing a few hours more?
In my 30s, the “I’m tired” was often followed by “let’s watch a movie”. Until I realized I’m tired because I’m a comfort-zoner who likes to zone-out in front of a screen. But if I my leave my comfort-zone, I’d receive more energy – not only for the activities, but overall.
I’m not like this every day. There are times for rest and leisure. There are weeks where no thresholds were pushed. But the overall aim is always for
more
than
before.
