“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life — think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”
— Swami Vivekananda
The next time you take a shower, notice what you’re thinking about. This thought, according to VC Paul Graham, is what’s on top of your mind at that moment.
If you’re like most people, these thoughts change every day. Yesterday, it was about a movie. Today, you’re imagining giving witty retorts to someone who offended you. Tomorrow, you could be losing your mind over why your crush won’t text you back.
How much control do you have over these situations? Zero! Will these thoughts help you achieve your goals? No! Then why give them such prominent space in your mind? It’s better to direct your focus towards the aspects you can control. According to the Stoics, these aspects are your perceptions, your actions, and your willpower.
Give one goal your all. Then pick up the next goal and repeat the process. This is how you achieve your goals. A half-hearted attempt is worse than not trying at all. Complete involvement in what you do is what makes life worth living.