Momentum

Momentum is an incredibly powerful thing. I have long said that I optimize all major life decisions for flexibility because I want to have as many options available any given time. This allows me to take advantage of adventures that present themselves. That said, I am also someone who craves routine. During the work week, my most productive days look quite similar. When moving into a new work environment or time zone, it takes me at least a week to get acclimated. Once I am in a groove, I am loath to change environments, even though I am always happier having done so after the fact. When my wife and I were traveling outside the US full time, it felt like those changes were simply part of my routine. Going on to the next destination, getting settled in, living our lives in unfamiliar surroundings felt inevitable. When we were forced back to the US, the speed at which a new schedule became routine and repetitive was disturbingly fast. We had to work hard to ensure life wouldn't become stale. Despite the comfort of a routine, we reminded ourselves that we're at our happiest when we are soaking up new experiences. I remind myself that I will always eventually settle into a routine. I will acclimate. Be productive. Find inspiration in my surroundings.

In 2021, I did not do a good job of keeping up with my creative outlets. This blog. Sketching. Photography. I keep a list of things I want to do every day, from meditating to stretching to writing, and check them off when they're done. Last year, there were months-long stretches where I failed to check one or more off the list. In the past, I would beat myself up about this - setting a goal of doing these things regularly and failed to remain consistent. More recently I've relaxed my position on this by focusing on the long game. Instead, I try to focus on building momentum by tracking streaks, a trick Jerry Seinfeld is known for. Every day is a new day, an opportunity to try something new or pick something up that you haven't done in a while. If that thing makes you even a little better, try to hold a streak. I hope to look back at certain things decades from now and see an overall progression. That I was able to improve by focusing on activities and rituals that bring me joy, perspective and growth.

By staying consistent with the routines and rituals that are important to me, I am able to adapt to new environments that may be less conducive to being productive. Meditating before work gives me perspective and keeps me focused on the things that matter, or at least not stressed out by the things that don't. Physical training in the first part of the day, even if I don't have access to a proper gym, keeps my body sharp and ready for the other things I throw at it (such as huge meals and other indulgences). These are simple things that I can take with me anywhere, no matter what. Even if I have a short period where I am not as consistent as I would be at "home" (which at this point could be anywhere), I let it go. Over years and decades, consistent incremental progress beats obsessive but sporadic focus every time.

At the beginning of this year, I sat down and made a list of what went well in 2021 and what didn't. I've completed this exercise in the past but haven't made it a habit. It was quite cathartic to see this written down. Something about getting out what exists in our heads, through long-term reflections like this, daily journaling, writing or recording seems to strengthen our resolve to continue what we're doing well and improve on what we're not. Having this list to quickly review keeps me focused on what matters. Ultimately, most of the bullshit that stresses us out doesn't matter in the grand scheme of our lives. If you are happy, healthy, spent time with people you love and who love you and are able to do things that challenge you and bring you joy, there really is nothing else.