On treadmill vs sofa friends, writer's sleep routines and learning from those you hate!
That's why it's essential to recognise how different people impact your mindset.
Friends, apologies that this came on a Monday—one promise I made to myself is to not send it on Sunday if it isn't intentional. I want this to be a labour of love, not just a shared commitment. I wish you a wonderful week, but first, let me share what has been on my mind lately!
A Thought
What sort of friend have I been to you?
I don't know where I first read today's idea, but it lingered with me all weekend. Let me offer a thought.
The people we hang out with can significantly affect how motivated and energised we feel. When we spend time with some friends, we feel motivated, inspired, and ready to take on new tasks.
People like these are "treadmill friends" because hanging out with them makes you want to run on a treadmill to burn off all that energy!
These friends make you want to take action and reach your goals. They take on life with enthusiasm and are full of drive. Their excitement spreads, and being around them makes you feel like you can take on new tasks and make your dreams come true. You feel energised, functional, and on a mission when you leave.
There are also "sofa friends" who, while fun to hang out with occasionally, tend to drain your energy and make you feel worn out. You want to go home and veg out on the couch after being with them.
There are also "sofa friends" who, while fun to hang out with occasionally, tend to drain your energy and make you feel worn out. You want to go home and veg out on the couch after being with them.
These are friends who are more passive, disconnected, or pessimistic. They are still fun to hang out with but don't inspire or make you feel good. You leave feeling uninspired and sluggish, like you want to relax instead of getting things done.
Ah, the distinction lies in the sphere of "agency"—that elusive quality that separates the go-getters from the couch potatoes. It's all about their innate ability to take charge and chase after their dreams with excitement. Treadmill friends are about taking the lead, while sofa friends prefer staying with the flow.
That's why it's essential to recognise how different people impact your mindset. Surround yourself with treadmill friends who energise and empower you. Be wary of sofa friends who can inadvertently drain your vigour and stall progress.
The effect of one's circle of friends on one's level of motivation is significant. Find others with a similar outlook on life and progress as you do, and surround yourself with them. Their motivation will rub off on you.
2 Quotes
“Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That's why it's so hard." - David McCullough.
Some of us have hazy ideas or rough thoughts of what we want to say before we start writing, whether it's a book or an email. But the only way to improve our thinking is to put those scattered thoughts into words. While trying to put ideas into clear writing, we understand them better.“People focus on role models; it is more effective to find antimodels - people you don't want to resemble when you grow up” - Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Seeking inspiration from those you admire is valuable, but Taleb notes that equally important guidance can come from those you don’t identify with. Analyzing poor examples exposes flawed mindsets and habits that lead to outcomes you don’t desire. The faults you strive to steer clear of in others reflect areas of improvement for yourself.
3 Reads
I want to extend my gratitude to you for spending your time with me, and I hope to see you again soon in the next edition!