in.sight
a newsletter for the eyes of the mind
SERIES 02 | ISSUE 10
Peak performance isn’t just about discipline.
What will get you through isn’t self-discipline, it’s self-forgiveness.
– Elizabeth Gilbert
When we think of the word “discipline”, what comes up looks something like 5AM mornings, Navy Seals style workouts, and bland broccoli diets.
No doubt, discipline is an important aspect of personal growth. But what we’ve been conditioned to know of it can feel quite military and unforgiving.
We don’t and can’t see what goes in the minds of people who are consistently discipline. Those who sustain that motivation and find themselves back on their feet even after the worst falls. Think David Goggins.
Keep in mind that true, sustainable, discipline looks way tamer in reality. And behind those early mornings and daily workouts is fundamentally the ability to self-forgive.
Self-discipline starts, self-forgiveness sustains
On our pursuit of bettering ourselves, discipline is a fantastic catalyst for motivation. However, what will keep us going is self-forgiveness.
This concept involves acknowledging and accepting our setbacks and shortcomings. It embraces our human-ness and the inevitability of slip-ups.
Self-forgiveness allows us to let go of the guilt of not being perfect, to learn from our mistakes, and ultimately to move forward in a way that works for us.
Even then, peak performance looks different on everyone
Beyond hitting our PR’s, KPI’s, or being within the recommended BMI, there are so many unquantifiable aspects of life that’s worth living for. Numbers and data are great points of measure, but it’s good to sometimes question their arbitrariness on a grander scale too (e.g. is the BMI an ableist measure of weight?).
Performance, and a living a “well” life, might also look like having a regulated nervous system, a well-rested mind and body, or a safe environment to perform.
Keep an open mind about what performance looks like without the influence of hustle culture, what does it look like for you?
💝 noteworthy
Video: How to reset your body from chronic stress and why we get chronic illnesses | Dr Gabor Maté
Dr. Gabor Maté argues that unresolved emotional stress can profoundly impact physical health, potentially leading to conditions like autoimmune disorders, cancer, and mental health issues. This is especially pertinent for those who’ve experienced childhood trauma or ongoing stressors like poverty and discrimination. He also emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health that takes into account both the physical and emotional aspects of our well-being.
😌 calm corner
Playlist: Chill Tracks | a softer kind of dance
A playlist full of hypnotic, soulful, and immersive elements to keep you in the zone whether you’re on a run, studying, or just having a chill dance night in. In essence, this deep house playlist invites listeners to immerse themselves in its rhythmic embrace, providing a space for introspection and a laid-back yet infectious musical experience.