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    “I envy anyone with enthusiasm and obsession, even if they are enthused about and obsessed with things that I’m not interested in.  It’s beautiful to see someone’s eyes light up with love, no matter the object of their affection.” ~ Humble the Poet, Things No One Else Can Teach Us (Page 156)

    Ryan Holiday Quote on Producing Good Work—Despite The Challenges

      “Work is finding yourself alone at the track when the weather kept everyone else indoors.  Work is pushing through the pain and crappy first drafts and prototypes.  It is ignoring whatever plaudits others are getting, and more importantly, ignoring whatever plaudits you may be getting.  Because there is work to be done.  Work doesn’t want to be good.  It is made so, despite the headwind.”

      Ryan Holiday, Ego is the Enemy

      Beyond the Quote (69/365)

      Why do all of this work at all?  Why show up when it’s raining and cold?  Why push through writing tasks when Netflix is one click away?  Why keep working when you’re getting praised and approved of for what you’ve already done?  Why not stay indoors, become complacent, relax, and soak in the compliments you’ve already received?  …Well, because that’s not how your best work comes to life—that’s why.  And that task of bringing to life your best work, may be your most important calling on this earth. 

      Read More »Ryan Holiday Quote on Producing Good Work—Despite The Challenges

        “Without rules we quickly become slaves to our passions—and there’s nothing freeing about that.” ~ Norman Doidge, via 12 Rules for Life (Page viii)

          “Some criticize my level of passion, but I’m not down with the prevailing mentalities that tend to dominate American society these days; the ones that tell us to go with the flow or invite us to learn how to get more with less effort.  F*ck that shortcut bullsh*t.  The reason I embrace my own obsessions and demand and desire more of myself is because I’ve learned that it’s only when I push beyond pain and suffering, past my perceived limitations, that I’m capable of accomplishing more, physically and mentally—in endurance races but also in life as a whole.  And I believe the same is true for you.” ~ David Goggins, Can’t Hurt Me

            “Drive is fueled by desire, belief, and expectation that we can achieve something extraordinary through our efforts.  It feeds on discipline in that it becomes stronger as we commit ourselves at deeper levels to our pursuits.” ~ Mark Divine, The Way of the Seal

              “Ultimately, we need to develop what the Japanese call kokoro, which means to merge our heart and mind in action.  It implies that we are balanced and centered, allowing us to operate in synchronicity with our inner selves, with others, and with nature.  When we commit to integral development and lead with kokoro, we will be 100 percent authentic, present, and powerful.” ~ Mark Divine, The Way of the Seal

                “The road to mastery requires patience.  You will have to keep your focus on five or ten years down the road, when you will reap the rewards of your efforts.  The process of getting there, however, is full of challenges and pleasures.  Make your return to the path a resolution you set for yourself, and then tell others about it.  It becomes a matter of shame and embarrassment to deviate from this path.  In the end, the money and success that truly last come not to those who focus on such things as goals, but rather to those who focus on mastery and fulfilling their Life’s Task.” ~ Robert Greene, Mastery

                  “In our culture we tend to equate thinking and intellectual powers with success and achievement.  In many ways, however, it is an emotional quality that separates those who master a field from the many who simply work at a job.  Our levels of desire, patience, persistence, and confidence end up playing a much larger role in success than sheer reasoning powers.  Feeling motivated and energized, we can overcome almost anything.  Feeling bored and restless, our minds shut off and we become increasingly passive.” ~ Robert Greene, Mastery

                    “What if you don’t so much have a passion or purpose as much as you pursue something, or a bunch of things, with passion and a sense of purpose?  And what if the deeper you get into that exploration or pursuit and the more competent you become, the more interested you get in doing and learning and discovering on a fiercer, more engaged, dare I say a more ‘passionate’ or ‘purposeful’ way?” ~ Jonathan Fields, How To Live A Good Life