The paradoxical imperative to restrict our freedom in order to gain real freedom

Is there such a thing as too much freedom?

Conflicting Desires

Human beings are highly complex creatures which means their desires and needs are also highly complex and diverse.
And often times those desires are incompatible with each other, especially when it comes to instant versus long-term gratification.

The most recently developed part of the human brain, the prefrontal cortex, is what allows us humans too pass up on some short-term rewards in return for some bigger ones later.

But because the earlier developed parts of the brain carry out much more basic and vital functions, like breathing for example, it makes sense that the prefrontal cortex is the part that is shut off first.

So, whenever we run low on energy and motivation it becomes almost impossible for us to resist temptations. The appeal of possible distractions is growing and growing.

A world full of distractions

And there are many sources of distractions in our modern world today. Practically all the information and knowledge the world has ever known is right at our fingertips. Instantly, at any time.
Which of course is not inherently a bad thing but a great accomplishment of mankind and bears almost endless possibilities.

Yet, we can get trapped in this net of opportunities as long as we don’t manage to protect our attention from them at certain times. Those numerous available opportunities are all competing for our attention and seducing our mind to get off the tracks.
Therefore, we have to face the task of protecting ourselves of those possible distractors. We have to isolate our mind.

The tools to accomplish this are Rules and Routines and more importantly the Discipline to really follow them.

Developing Discipline

Though it sounds counterintuitive, being able to develop the discipline to restrict yourself will give you more freedom because it makes you capable of achieving more goals.

The thing about discipline is: it’s like a muscle! So, if you don’t practice it often enough it will shrink and shrivel.
That’s exactly why routines are so powerful and I suggest you develop your own if you haven’t got one already. Start a daily routine that makes you read more, learn more, train more or whatever you feel will help you reach your goals.

But start small and take baby steps. Aim for consistency before anything else!!!

Be aware of the fact that motivation is coming in waves! So, when you're high on it and start your routine, a lot of times you choose a task that is too heavy!
As you’re riding the high tide you will be able to do it, maybe even for some days, but as soon as motivation vanishes you will fail and call off the entire endeavor!

Sounds familiar?

I will say it again then:

Start small! Take baby steps! Aim for consistency first!

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Tell me what your daily routine looks like/ will look like in the comments ;)