Creating a Powerful Approach to Achieving Goals
Creating a Powerful Approach to Achieving Goals
Three Point Thursday #2 | Time Horizons, Patience, and Discipline
Here’s your weekly three-pointer, to open your mind.
The mission of “Three Point Thursday” & about the author here
Extend your Time Horizon
“If we think long term, we can accomplish things that we couldn’t otherwise accomplish.”—Jeff Bezos
Prioritize long term thinking over short term thinking. The best outcomes in life require time. Even at only 21 years old, this has become clear.
If you don’t understand how long it takes to develop a skill, get in shape, or build a relationship, you’re lost. It’s pointless to get frustrated when you don’t instantly see results or get what you want.
Warren Buffett’s life is a great example of the magic of planning far into the future. One of the richest people to ever live, he’s certainly not a short-term thinker. With an extended time horizon, he started investing when he was 11 years old.
“Without exception, the wealthiest people I know have the longest time horizons, and the poorest people I know have the shortest.” —Alex Hormozi
The Power of Patience
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” —Leo Tolstoy
Struggle with consistency? Then remember the quote above. You can apply this line of thinking to any activity.
For example: someone starts to workout. After a couple months, they aren't seeing any effects. Disappointed, they give up exercise altogether, and remain in poor health.
People like this who give up too early never give themselves a chance to develop. They never let the two powerful warriors do what they do.
Someone who sticks with it in the gym eventually ends up with a great body, resilient mind, and more confidence. Thanks to patience, and belief in the long process.
“Patience is a virtue, and I’m learning patience. It’s a tough lesson.”—Elon Musk
Lesson from a Navy SEAL
“Discipline = Freedom.”—Jocko Willink
Jocko Willink is a former Lieutenant Commander on SEAL team 3. He also looks exactly like G.I. Joe.
On his podcast, a guest asked him regarding productivity “What do you do on the days when you just don’t feel like it?”
His response: “I do it anyway.”
Realize: It’s likely there’ll be more days when you aren’t super motivated to put in work, than days that you are. But by doing it anyway, you’ll feel proud every time you lay down at night. And you’ll have improved yourself.
I’m sure you’ve heard the all-too-common saying from people that they “miss high school sports more than anything.” I used to say it often as well.
People who say this don’t get what they’re brain really misses: physically challenging activities every day with friends.
It was difficult constantly running suicides, pushing sleds, and remembering all the plays. Looking back though, the grind felt worth it. You became stronger physically and mentally. It was rewarding.
The good news is, high school sports isn’t the only time you can push yourself and grow!
With discipline, you can do it in anything. And even though being disciplined is hard, you’ll probably be happier when you are.
“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.” —Benjamin Disraeli
The importance of challenging yourself and moving your body has been known for a long time. Not just for physical health, but for mental health as well (maybe even more so).
We often forget though, and wonder why we feel horrible after sitting inside staring at our phones all day.
“There is nothing so certain as the fact that the harmful consequences of inactivity are dissipated by activity.” —Seneca
Imagine being 100 years old, reflecting on your life. You realize you never became the best version of yourself out of sheer laziness and inaction. Sounds like hell.
