I’ve recently started reading a book about the importance of having exactly one thing upon which to focus. As with priority, becoming priorities, focusing on exactly one thing soon becomes two, and then three. Suddenly, it’s 23 things. And since the first 90% of any thing is vastly easier than the second 90%, in short order I’m busy, overwhelmed, sprinting in multiple directions. As the Russians say: Chase two rabbits and you’ll catch neither.
Do you want to be the artist who loses their joy for the process, who has strip-mined their soul in such a way that there is nothing left to draw upon? Burn out or fade away—that was the question in Kurt Cobain’s suicide note. How is that even a dilemma?
To answer Holiday’s first question I say emphatically, no! Thus I’m currently well into clearing the decks of multiple focuses. I’m imagining endings for things, major pivots and minor adjustments. There’s a great quote from Epictetus about how any idiot can steer the ship when the wind, sea and weather are good, but in challenging times all it takes is but an instant of distraction to lose the whole ship.
I often mention the false sense of urgency that I experience. I have lots of ideas, sure, but it’s more than the frequent appearance of those endless new opportunities. It’s more so the sense that anything I’m already working on, I could do just a little bit better. There’s a pessimistic paranoia that old, greying system administrators develop; they look both ways even when crossing one-way streets. All of that combines within me. I’m not sure if all that striving leads me to feel there’s a scarcity of time and opportunity, or vice versa— I have a sense of scarcity, which leads to the sense of urgency and incessant striving.
Schopenhauer’s pessimism is based on two kinds of observation. The first is an inward-looking observation that we aren’t simply rational beings who seek to know and understand the world, but also desiring beings who strive to obtain things from the world. Behind every striving is a painful lack of something, Schopenhauer claims, yet obtaining this thing rarely makes us happy. For, even if we do manage to satisfy one desire, there are always several more unsatisfied ones ready to take its place. Or else we become bored, aware that a life with nothing to desire is dull and empty. If we are lucky enough to satisfy our basic needs, such as hunger and thirst, then in order to escape boredom we develop new needs for luxury items, such as alcohol, tobacco or fashionable clothing. At no point, Schopenhauer says, do we arrive at final and lasting satisfaction. Hence one of his well-known lines: ‘life swings back and forth like a pendulum between pain and boredom’.
For five months I’ve had a single sticky-note on my monitor which reads, “There are no miracles. There is only discipline.” It’s a strikingly clear guide star. I believe that a disciplined person knows not only when to strive, but also when to ignore an idea, when to pause for the time being, and when to rejuvenate.
Most often that sticky-note triggers my thinking about living a balanced discipline. I see the note (it’s unfortunately only on my monitor, but should be added to the interior of my eyelids) and then I notice if I’m feeling harried, or if I’m striving… Why? Is this thing I’m doing, or that thing I feel I should be doing, actually urgent? And how—get clear here, Craig—did this or that even get to be the thing I’m doing, the thing on my radar, on my to-do list, on my to-should list… What would it be like, to simply be?
To create a meaningful work of art or to make a discovery or invention requires great discipline, self-control, and emotional stability. It requires mastering the forms of your field. […] When you look at the exceptionally creative work of Masters, you must not ignore the years of practice, the endless routines, the hours of doubt, and the tenacious overcoming of obstacles these people endured.
The end for self-discipline is personal improvement; the end for discipline lies beyond the self. This distinction helps explain why individuals can be incredibly self-disciplined and yet see very little external achievement as a result. Sure, they never miss a day writing in their journal and never lose their temper, but those displays of self-mastery don’t automatically lead to outward success.
There are lots of ways to talk about this distinction; the particular way described by McKay comes from an author he’s interviewed. I’d never thought about is as “discipline” versus “self-discipline.” I’d always thought of discipline as a thing, and then the “self-” prefix in “self-discipline” means that thing done to myself. And I’m not going to change how I use the words, “discipline,” and “self-discipline.” I see why they’re using “discipline” and “self-discipline.” I think I’d prefer to use, “inward-directed,” and, “outward-directed,” discipline. Everything I do to myself is self-discipline, but when my goal is to change myself, then it’s “inward-directed,” and when my goal is to change the world, then it’s “outward-directed.”
But the point of the distinction is very interesting. Do I actually have goals which are the, “why?” behind my self-discipline? Are those goals an appropriate mixture of inward- and outward-directed?
And quite often, I’m not using screens at all. My journal writing recently rolled-over into volume 18, and in recent years I’ve been copying my oath into the front of each new volume.
Everyone wants freedom. We want to be physically free and mentally free. We want to be financially free and we want more free time. But where does that freedom come from? How do we get it? The answer is the opposite of freedom. The answer is discipline. You want more free time? Follow a more disciplined time-management system. You want financial freedom? Implement long-term financial discipline in your life. Do you want to be physically free to move how you want, and to be free from many health issues caused by poor lifestyle choices? Then you have to have the discipline to eat healthy food and consistently work out. We all want freedom. Discipline is the only way to get it.
Motivation will get you out the door, but it fades over time. A good book or podcast might give you the momentary impulse to take your first steps along a path, but when the road gets tough only discipline will keep you moving forward.
Edwardes is a well-known figure in the world of Parkour. He’s someone I’m proud to call a friend. A little over a year ago, I had a quiet, private, late-evening conversation about businesses and movement and Parkour and I’m pretty sure we touched on motivation. …or at least, I know motivation was something bouncing around in my head. Specifically: lack thereof. I’m not even sure that I realized that at the time, but it’s clear to me now.
At the time though, I definitely experienced a sort of ground-shifting sensation. I don’t generally fan-boy on Parkour people, and I’m pretty sure I never did that with respect to Edwardes. No, it was more like—something I’ve experienced on several occasions with Parkour luminaries—I was suddenly aware that I hadn’t been fawning [for years] over this person. No, here I was, once again, in a cool conversation with a fellow human. Being.
These days, I’m doubling-down on discipline and that quoted blog post and that conversation conspired to inspire me to make a fresh post.
If success is a catalyst for failure because it leads to the “undisciplined pursuit of more,” then one simple antidote is the disciplined pursuit of less. Not just haphazardly saying no, but purposefully, deliberately, and strategically eliminating the nonessentials. Not just once a year as part of a planning meeting, but constantly reducing, focusing and simplifying. Not just getting rid of the obvious time wasters, but being willing to cut out really terrific opportunities as well. Few appear to have the courage to live this principle, which may be why it differentiates successful people and organizations from the very successful ones.
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception it is a prevailing attitude.
The need for silence and solitude obviously seems incredibly relevant to the over-convenienced citizens of the modern world who feel saturated with the ceaseless noise that issues from every corner of their lives. But as mentioned at the start, men have in fact craved these states for thousands of years, long before anything digital, or electronic, or urban ever existed.
What accounts for the timeless, seemingly universal appeal of quiet seclusion?
There’s no right answer. The present self usually wins, because he controls the action and so his interests are more important. But the future self actually has a stronger case: he’s actually a bunch of future selves (you in 10 minutes from now, an hour from now, a day from now, three days from now, a year later, and so on). So shouldn’t a thousand future selves outweigh the current self’s interest?
I agree that America faces a major discipline problem, but I see the lack of discipline at the top: the bankers, the billionaires, the CEOs. Like Mike Rice, they’re out of control and need to face the consequences of their actions.
The Rice video was seen by Rutgers officials months ago, and their response was a wrist-slap: Rice was suspended for three games and told not to do it again. Isn’t that typical of how things go in America?
These reassurances did not particularly help me make my life better, though. They helped me tolerate the bad place I was in, which is a mixed blessing. Self-sympathy and coping strategies make it easier to stay where you are, but that’s not where you want to be.
Discipline is the pixie-dust that enables everything I do. (“You might have seen a housefly, maybe even a superfly, but I bet you ain’t never seen a donkey fly!”) I’ve had a single, hot-pink, sticky note on the edge of my monitor since April 2023: “There are NO MIRACLES, there is only DISCIPLINE.” Here on the ‘ol blog, discipline comes up often.
Cain’s article is about his experiences with having ADHD, and the bit I quoted is really important. I use a lot of self-sympathy and coping when I need it… and then—knowing there’s somewhere I want to be—I start walking. I use a lot of discipline, and the magic-multiplier is knowing not to try to make every waking moment involve discipline. Instead, I deploy the discipline pixie-dust when things are important; not “oh no this is now important” but “oh yes, this is something important to me that I want to accomplish.”
Craig Constantine and Alex Lukens discuss movement practices and personal growth as they explore the notions of finding balance, and the importance of doing less in order to achieve more.
Doing less is okay and it’s still effective… There’s an identity attached to overdoing, overachieving, and winning.
~ Alex Lukens
Craig and Alex explore the realm of movement practices and the quest for balance. They discuss the challenges of adopting a heart-centered approach and the fear attached to doing less in personal pursuits. Alex introduces the idea of developing a maximally efficient and minimally effortful movement practice by combining the philosophies of Chinese kung fu and Judo.
Your movement practice can be maximally efficient and minimally with minimal effort as long as you put the work in and the discipline up front.
~ Alex Lukens
He draws parallels between movement practices and other disciplines, such as music, emphasizing the role of repetition, simplicity, and discipline in achieving profound results.
Takeaways
Discussing different approaches to journaling — Journaling can be used for various purposes, such as personal reflection, organizing thoughts, planning, and emotional processing.
Balancing ideas in journaling — It’s important to balance the flow of ideas coming into and out of the journal, ensuring a productive use of journaling.
The role of intuition in journaling — Journaling based on how one feels at the moment can lead to more authentic and effective entries.
Emptying the mind through journaling — Journaling can create a negative space, allowing for a clearer and more focused mindset.
Morning anxiety and rewiring thoughts — Addressing and changing the initial thoughts upon waking can significantly impact the rest of the day.
The connection between movement and thinking — Movement can be a tool to process and organize thoughts, leading to a clearer mental state.
Impact of journaling on daily interactions — A clearer mind from journaling can lead to more engaging and enjoyable interactions throughout the day.
Creating a personal style in coaching — Developing a unique approach to coaching that balances the heart and mind, influenced by martial arts philosophies.
Working with high achievers — Helping overachievers find balance and avoid burnout by addressing both physical and mental aspects of their lives.
The misconception of physical exertion — Understanding that exertion is optional and not always necessary for effective movement or exercise.
Fidgeting and natural movement — Incorporating small, natural movements throughout the day can maintain mobility and physical health without structured exercise.
Integrating martial arts philosophies into coaching — Using principles from kung fu and judo, such as hard work over time and maximum efficiency with minimal effort, to guide clients.
Simplicity through repetition — Achieving simplicity in movement and practice through consistent, disciplined effort.
The importance of lessening mental exertion — Recognizing that reducing mental strain can be as important as physical practice for overall balance.
Developing a movement practice — Encouraging clients to create personalized movement practices that are efficient and effective with minimal effort.
Curiosity about others’ movement practices — An interest in learning about different approaches to movement and how others develop their practices.
Challenges of guest outreach in podcasting — Identifying the logistical and relational challenges involved in scheduling and conducting podcast interviews.
Exploring themes through podcasting — Using podcasting as a method to explore and understand various themes and ideas from different perspectives.
The concept of minimal effective dose — Applying the principle of minimal effective dose to various aspects of life, including movement and journaling.
In-person training and connection — The value of meeting and training in person to enhance understanding and connection in coaching relationships.
Iron Gump joins Craig Constantine to share how meditative strength training bridges the gap between physical exertion and mindful awareness.
This is what you were talking about earlier. The meditative aspect. What I call it is meditative strength training (MiST). The meditative aspect is developing the awareness as you move, and then maintaining that awareness as you move. So taking very simple exercises— […] So that people feel, ‘Okay, I’m not going into this super extreme odd space where I don’t know what to do.’
~ Iron Gump (13:17)
Craig and Iron Gump explore the integration of mindfulness with physical training, discussing how meditative practices can enhance strength exercises. Iron Gump shares his progression from traditional Chinese martial arts in his teenage years to weight training and eventually to a blend of both disciplines. He emphasizes the significance of combining body alignment and breath work with exercises like squats and lunges, transforming them into meditative practices. This approach, which he calls “meditative strength training,” helps individuals develop a deeper awareness of their movements and maintain mindfulness throughout their workouts.
They also discuss the benefits of barefoot training, with Iron Gump recounting his experiences running and hiking barefoot in various terrains. He explains how this practice improves sensitivity and proprioception, leading to better reaction times and overall body awareness.
Additionally, Iron Gump shares his teaching experiences with diverse groups, from elderly women in Maui to fighters in a South Philly gym. He highlights how slowing down movements and focusing on alignment can reveal hidden weaknesses and enhance overall strength and conditioning, drawing on principles from Tai Chi and other martial arts.
Takeaways
Exploring meditative strength training — emphasizes the combination of body alignment and breath work with exercises like squats and lunges to develop mindfulness.
Importance of mindfulness in physical training — highlights how being aware of movements and maintaining that awareness enhances workout effectiveness.
The role of traditional Chinese martial arts — discusses the influence of martial arts in developing physical and meditative aspects of training.
Benefits of barefoot training — describes how running and hiking barefoot improve sensitivity, proprioception, and reaction times.
Challenges and rewards of teaching diverse groups — shares experiences working with elderly women and fighters, adapting training methods to suit different populations.
Transforming everyday exercises — illustrates how simple exercises can become meditative by incorporating alignment and breath work.
Connection between slow movements and strength — explains how slowing down movements and focusing on alignment can reveal weaknesses and improve strength.
Integration of martial arts principles in fitness — talks about applying Tai Chi and other martial arts concepts to modern strength and conditioning routines.
Developing body awareness — emphasizes the importance of understanding body mechanics and alignment in enhancing physical training.
Adapting traditional practices for modern fitness — discusses how traditional exercises can be made relevant and beneficial for contemporary fitness enthusiasts.
Jamie Holmes joins Craig to discuss life’s admin tasks, her journey through holistic healing from melanoma, and insights into the world of circus arts and personal fitness showcasing her multifaceted life and philosophies.
I think it was three months from when I had my first, initial consult with my surgeon, and he said, “okay I can get you in. It’s going to be a bit harder because you’re doing both hips at once, but I can get you in within three months.” And that was horrid to me! I was like, “I have to live three more months like this!?” It wasn’t just that it hurt a little bit when I walked— I couldn’t move— I could not move— I was having weird panic attacks all the time, because if I dropped something and had to bend over, it was— I’m a bit of a tough cookie, but that? That broke me pretty hard.”
~ Jamie Holmes, 35:15
Not your average bears, Craig and Jamie begin in left field discussing ways of managing life’s “admin” tasks. Jamie professes integrating everything into her daily flow, rather than reserving them for a single day. Her approach, she explains, allows her to work at a high speed, avoiding the buildup of dreaded tasks. Her method emphasizes efficiency and the mental ease that comes from staying ahead of administrative duties, reflecting a deeper understanding of personal productivity and time management.
The conversation shifts into Jamie’s profound journey through holistic healing after a melanoma diagnosis. Rejecting traditional treatment paths, Jamie opts for a holistic approach, guided by her conviction in the body’s healing capabilities and her passion for health and fitness. This segment of the discussion not only highlights her resilience but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of our minds and bodies.
Jamie also shares insights into the world of circus arts and her studio, The Circus Fix, illuminating the challenges and rewards of managing a fitness and arts studio. Her narrative encompasses the delicate balance of artistic passion with the pragmatism of business management, underscoring the significance of adaptability and understanding in leadership roles.
Takeaways
Efficiency in daily tasks—integrating administrative duties into everyday life can enhance productivity and reduce stress.
Holistic healing approaches—exploring non-traditional methods for dealing with serious health issues, such as melanoma, can lead to personal insights and unexpected journeys.
The importance of movement—engaging in physical activities, whether through circus arts or other forms of exercise, is vital for mental and physical health.
Adapting to individual needs—understanding and accommodating the unique ways people process and work can lead to better management and teamwork.
The value of outdoor activities—spending time in nature, particularly in activities like walking on the beach, can serve as a form of meditation and rejuvenation.
Facing life-changing decisions—confronting severe health challenges with courage and openness to unconventional treatments can inspire others.
The challenge of balancing—managing a small business, especially in the arts, requires juggling creative passion with the practicalities of administration and leadership.
The role of community—creating spaces for learning and growth, such as a circus studio, contributes to the well-being and development of both instructors and students.
Personal transformation through adversity—overcoming physical and mental hurdles can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of one’s capacities and resilience.
Resources
The Circus Fix — Jamie Holmes’ circus studio, offering classes in aerial arts and other circus disciplines.
I’m a major process-person. Process is discipline. For me, inspiration always runs out. But process enables me to put one dumb foot in front of the other— and then course correct as I go. Pre-flight checklist here minutes before a guest joins me for a recording.
Taking a fresh look at Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work. Book is smashed open to a quote from Russell Brand—with a notecard where I’m about to add this quote to my collection. I’m a bit of an audio nerd—I don’t stream from services, rather stream from the countless CDs that I keep in the ‘ol digital library. I like to start from a movie soundtrack, and then spread out into all the artists. Rubik’s cube, glass of water. Pink postit reminds me: “There are no miracles, there is only discipline“
Anna Bezuglova transforms the mundane into sacred practice, challenging our perceptions of daily life and movement with insights from her unique journey and teaching philosophy.
“The dialogue of sacredness of deep meaning is something that is often connected to daily things. It’s not only the physical practice that I treat in such a way but also just daily moments and living life. Being present to it all the time— and it doesn’t matter whether I’m doing an official session of practice, or I’m driving a car, or I’m talking to my husband, or I’m teaching a class, or I’m just walking down the road. I think this mindset shifts something in the way you do things day to day.”
~ Anna Bezuglova, 3:00
In a deeply reflective conversation, Anna describes how she treats daily practices as sacred, a wisdom imparted by her Zen teacher. She shares her journey of recognizing the sacredness in her routines, initially performing practices that outwardly seemed sacred to others but later realizing their intrinsic value to herself. Anna emphasizes the importance of being present in every moment, whether it’s in a structured practice session or the simple acts of daily living, highlighting how this mindset transforms the mundane into something deeply meaningful.
Anna’s reflections extend into the lessons learned from her father, a martial arts teacher and a Buddhist, who, despite never directly teaching her martial arts, deeply influenced her perspective on life and practice. She recounts growing up in the challenging times of the 1990s in Russia, drawing resilience and a unique outlook from her parents’ examples. This background informs her teaching philosophy, where she advocates for a holistic approach to movement that intertwines physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects.
Anna argues for the significance of continuous change, consistency, and awareness in practice, underlining how these elements contribute to a fulfilling and transformative journey. Through her narrative, she challenges listeners to see movement not just as physical exercise, but as a comprehensive method to engage with life, fostering change, and personal growth.
Takeaways
The sacredness of daily practice — a reflection on how integrating conscious intention into routine activities transforms them into meaningful practices.
The influence of upbringing — discussing how parental examples, especially in the face of adversity, shape resilience and perspectives on life and practice.
The concept of change in practice — emphasizing that constant evolution and adaptation in one’s practice mirrors the dynamic nature of life itself.
The importance of awareness — highlighting how paying attention to the body’s movement and presence in space can significantly improve one’s practice and overall well-being.
The role of a teacher — the necessity of embodying the principles one teaches, as coherence between words and actions fosters trust and facilitates learning.
The power of coordination — explaining how developing coordination through movement practices can enhance the ability to adapt and succeed in various aspects of life.
The commitment to long-term learning — advocating for the importance of dedication and persistence in practice to experience genuine transformation.
Feldenkrais Method — A movement pedagogy designed to improve body awareness and enhance movement efficiency through gentle exercises and mindful practice. The method was developed by Moshé Feldenkrais and is used worldwide to assist in rehabilitation and promote physical and mental well-being.
Ido Portal Method — A holistic approach to movement culture pioneered by Ido Portal, focusing on developing strength, mobility, and the physical and mental aspects of movement practice. It encourages exploration of various disciplines, from martial arts to dance.
John Baker discusses his approach to blending traditional and digital media in art, emphasizing exploration and his love for movement, while exploring the possibility of combining these passions into a sustainable career.
[3 words to describe your practice?] The first one that comes to mind, which is pretty cliche, is: playful. It’s important to be playful and exploring, and not be so serious. Next one is softness. I guess it comes out of being injured in the past— but trying to be softer with movements and softer, gets more gentle in general. Then the third is— I haven’t decided— but collaborative or curious. Usually, with movements, or movement spheres, I like to inquire what other people are exploring.
~ John Baker 30:10
John Baker digs into the intersection of art and movement, exploring how his passion for both disciplines enriches his creative expression. He speaks about his journey in blending traditional and digital media, emphasizing the unique qualities and opportunities each medium offers. John’s approach to art is deeply rooted in exploration and creativity, reflecting his belief in storytelling through both visual and physical mediums. He shares insights on how he navigates the challenges of societal expectations and self-imposed limits while contemplating the integration of his artistic and movement practices into a sustainable career.
John also touches upon his training habits and the significant influence of music on his movement. He describes how different musical genres and rhythms inspire and shape his physical expressions, revealing a deep connection between auditory stimuli and bodily movement. This interplay highlights his holistic approach to creativity, where various elements of life seamlessly blend to inform and inspire his art and movement.
Takeaways
Exploration and creativity — The importance of these elements in both art and movement practices.
Blending media — The use of both traditional and digital media in art.
Career integration — Exploring the idea of combining a love for art and movement into a sustainable career, navigating societal expectations and personal limitations.
Influence of music — How different music genres can inspire movement, showing a connection between auditory stimuli and physical expression.
