Dreams Start With Patience #15

Reading time: 2 minutes

What to expect:

1. Insights on self-reflection, problem-solving, and dependency

2. Various methods to declutter your mental space

3. The "R.O.C.K." guide - a comprehensive framework for self-reflection and achieving mental clarity

If you're part of the younger generation in 2023 without a method for self-reflection, you may face regret in your future.

You run into problems, you create problems, and you are the one to solve your own problems.

Mindsets like this are strong, but uncommon in today’s world.

Are you more of a problem solver or a problem creator?

The dependency you have on others to solve your every need, want, and issue will make you a problem creator.

The obsession you have with figuring it out, taking care of the people in your life and pursuing greatness will turn you into a problem solver.

“Solving your problems in silence is self-improvement, solving your problems online while documenting the solution is business.”
-Dan Koe

You can only get so far in this life without the help of others - that is a fact.

Develop systems until the day you die - progress is made in great leaps

Clarity comes when you have lasered in on a singular goal

A singular goal comes when you declutter your life of the hazardous trash thoughts that enter it

Self-reflection + systems thinking + tracking of habits
= 
a decluttered mind
and
clarity of mind

As far as I’m concerned - anyone can learn how to better themselves, we care far more about our inner-state than we show.

Caring is not a weak character trait.

Here’s a few methods I’ve collected over the years to declutter my mental space

1.The Daily Reflection:

1. What happened to me today that I’m grateful for?

2. Which actions moved me towards my goals?

3. Are there any changes I should make?

2. The Brain Dump:
What - When - Why

What: The brain dump is what the name states it is - a brain dump; stream of consciousness writing.

When:
-Anytime you cannot focus externally on a task
-There is something creating a flustered state of mind.
-Right before bed, so you can sleep without interrupted

Why:
-To empty your thoughts
Read books to fill your mind - write to clear your mind

Repetitive brain dumps on apps like Notion or Apple Notes have been a game changer for my clarity.

This helps you identify thought patterns and other emotional states you get put into based off of life’s circumstances.

3. 1 hour of your day system: first hour is spent on a project, your project is derived from your goals

What are the problems you are facing?

Poor money management skills? No friends to go out and do activities with?

Can’t climb up the stairs without getting out of breath?

These are all common problems, you take a problem that is at the top of your issue hierarchy.

Then, you form a game plan around this problem.

Derive a project to actively work on and measure.

If you’re overweight - your first hour of the day is dedicated to working on your fitness.

Step 1 is to lay out the levels
Step 2 is to determine the levels
Step 3 is to start on level 1

A Framework for Reflection - R.O.C.K Guide

R - Recognize and Reflect

Recognize distractions:
The first step to mental clarity is identifying what's cluttering your mind.
This could be fears, worries, obligations, or even physical clutter, like a messy workspace or home, that contributes to mental disorganization.

Reflect on your thoughts:
Once you've recognized these distractions, reflect on them.
Understand their origins and why they're impacting your clarity of thought.

O - Organize and Optimize

Organize your thoughts:
Like tidying a physical space, organizing your thoughts can create mental clarity. Techniques like mind mapping or journaling can help to sort and categorize your thoughts.

Optimize your environment:
Make sure your physical surroundings support a decluttered mind.
Clean your workspace, create a calming environment, and ensure you have dedicated quiet time for reflection and concentration.

C - Categorize and Control

Categorize your thoughts:
Once your thoughts are organized, categorize them.
This can mean differentiating between work and personal thoughts, important and non-important thoughts, etc.

Control your emotions:
Emotional regulation is a key aspect of mental clarity.
Learn to control your reactions to your thoughts and external stimuli to maintain a calm and clear mind.

K - Keep Clear and Keep Practicing

Keep your mind clear:
Use techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or regular exercise to help keep your mind clear on an ongoing basis.

Keep practicing:
Maintaining a decluttered mind is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.

Keep practicing these techniques regularly to maintain mental clarity over time.

Remember:
You need a break sometimes: you can’t do it all in one day

Thanks for reading!

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Your photographer friend who is constantly talking about self improvement
-Zachariah