On How To Make Life Easier

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing happened for the last four months of my life.

But fate has a sense of humor. Just not one that always makes you laugh. Such is the weight you have to carry when you're the butt of the joke. Because in my case, fate likes to let me chill, then drop everything at once on me.

But that's exactly how I like it (besides the almost broken back). This might seem insane, but it's much more insane to not play to your innate talents and inclinations.

Some people like it lukewarm, others thrive in intensity. It's important to understand your tendencies in this regard. Maybe you're not at fault for struggling within an environment. Would you judge an octopus who struggles to survive in mountainous terrain? Well, in this case "how the heck did an octopus get to the Himalayas?" seems like an appropriate first reaction before judgment, but that's beside the point.

Most of my friends are different. They struggle to understand how one can function in such a way. They like to have the same day over and over again.

That would absolutely murder my joy in the most horrible way possible.

There's of course nothing wrong with liking the structure to stay the same day in day out. It's just that you need to know that about yourself to be truly able to thrive. Wanting the environment to change without doing anything about it yourself is a catastrophic strategy. Consult with good old Darwin if you don't believe me. Knowing is half the battle, because most people don't even ask this question, it seems.

A good example of this is sports. Your body fits some athletic disciplines better than others.

Of course also do what you enjoy! But don't neglect reality. Enjoyment might also be easier for endeavors you have a natural inclination towards, because the brain likes a feedback loop, most of all one that's net positive.

I'm 172 centimeters tall and have a stocky build. Maybe basketball isn't a safe bet. Flying like Mike might not happen in this lifetime. But martial arts? Sign me up. Strategy, explosiveness, power, and immediate action are parts that I love.

I have a friend whom I'm jealous of when it comes to endurance sports. He has the perfect body for it. When I start panting, he doesn't even seem to be done with the warm up. But then again, he can't move the same weight I can. That's life. And it's easier when it's played to one's strengths.

Such is also how you want to tackle your life. If I function better in intensity and rest, why would I optimize for going at a steady pace? And why would you forego your advantages?

Know what your natural inclination is, then ruthlessly engineer your life around it.