Discipline...and other topics

Discipline isn't something that comes easily to me. As a matter of fact, I am one of those people who works harder than most on a daily basis just to accomplish all the things that need to get done throughout my day (whether at work or at home). So at the end of it all, sometimes it's hard to find motivation to cross that one extra thing off my to-do list, or study when I'd rather relax in front of the tv at 9 pm (which is usually the first time I actually stop for the day), or get my butt to the gym.

But lately (roughly the past two weeks, haha) I've been more disciplined than ever before. I've been studying for a minimum of 2 hours a day, I've been dieting and exercising more, and I've been proactive about getting things done at home and just taking care of those little annoying tasks that never seem to stop accumulating. And it feels awesome! I feel like I'm on a roll. Even though there's really no time left for me or just to relax, I make my moments. 

All these goals I'm setting for myself that seemed so far away now seem perfectly surmountable. That's not to say they won't be challenging, but I have bolstered my confidence by kick-starting myself and not allowing myself to make excuses for the things in my life that have kept their status-quo for far too long. They say "out with the old, in with the new," and I think I like the sound of that. 

But I'm still human and not impervious to bad days and pessimism and things that make people want to procrastinate. I'm just going to have to strive, from now on, to power through those obstacles, dig deep, and remind myself how much better it feels to accomplish something and get a step closer to my goal than it feels to wallow or indulge for a short period of wasted time and then feel guilty. 

As hokey as it might sound, in my life discipline breeds motivation, inspiration, optimism, and just an overall better feeling about myself and life. The "bad" things that sometimes get me down don't seem all that bad. The stupid little things that tick me off and make me feel irritated for the rest of the day, well, I don't give them as much power over my moods. 

I do hate this test I'm studying for; I don't enjoy the subject matter or the process. I don't like feeling like the dumb kid in class and I don't much care for the endlessly excessive memorization. But I do like what the process is showing me. And I think I'll be a better person for it once it's finished. If I can remember that it's temporary, that I'm my own worst enemy and my only obstacle, and that once it's over I won't have to do it again but instead can sit back and reap the benefits, I think I can do it. Even if it takes me a couple more tries. 

On a side note, I had some random thoughts on my walk to the office this morning: 

1) I really hope Philadelphia capitalizes on its waterfront sometime soon. Penns Landing could be so much more than it is. Philly needs more to be proud of. Why can't we model our waterfront after that of, say, Baltimore's?

 

2) The phrase "pet peeve" is a pet peeve. Who on earth came up with that, anyway? Don't actually Google it and tell me, I don't care. I'm boycotting that phrase from now on. 

Let me know if you agree with 1) or 2). 

Time to hit the books! Bye friends!