“That which tastes like poison at first, but tastes like nectar in the end — this is the joy of sattva. . . Pleasure from the senses seem like nectar at first, but it is bitter as poison in the end.”
— Bhagavad Gita
Remember Snapchat streaks? Breaking them felt like the friendship with the other person was at stake. The longer the streak, the stronger the friendship felt, and the harder people worked to keep it going.
This offers an insight into why, counterproductively, we don’t remain consistent with what’s actually important in our lives—maintaining relationships, skilling up, pursuing goals that stretch us, etc. It’s not that we don’t have the ability, but we don’t put anything at stake.
For instance, not completing your work on time could affect your appraisal and even your job. But if you don’t stick to your diet, no one will say a thing (except maybe your partner). If you don’t pursue your passion project, you will still get paid at your job. If you choose to become people-allergic, Netflix and Instagram are always at your disposal.
Such instant gratification may feel good in the moment. But in the long term, it will have drastic consequences on your career and your physical, mental, and emotional health. This is one of the most powerful life lessons from the Bhagavad Gita.
Develop consistency in what’s important by building a streak the Seinfeld way: Pick one task that you should do daily, and for each day that you do it, draw a big X on your calendar. If you miss a day, that’s ok. But resolve not to miss more than two days in a row. Over time, you’ll see a chain of X’s on your calendar and will automatically feel motivated to maintain the streak.
Take it to the next level by putting something at stake. Like paying money to a friend if you miss three days in a row. Or rewarding yourself in moderation with something you enjoy when you do the task every day for a week. (E.g. shopping, Netflixing, eating junk food. You’re more likely to apply the life lessons from the Bhagavad Gita when you feel rewarded.)
Consistency in what’s important is the best investment you can make in yourself.