6-Second Sunday: On trying too hard, taking agency, and surrendering to the suck

6 Ideas. 6 Second Skim. 6 Minute Read.

Happy 6-Second Sunday!

Here are 6 ideas I’m applying that take 6 seconds to skim and 6 minutes or less to read…

Overview

1. Tactic I’m Trying: Don’t try so hard

2. Distinction I’m Making: Rigidity for rigidity’s sake

3. Story I’m Writing: Take agency in your life

4. How I’m Coping with Hard Workouts: Surrender to the suck

5. Training I Started: 16-Week Muscular Endurance Program

6. Quote I’m Rereading: On greed

Let’s dive in.

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Tactic I’m Trying: Don’t try so hard

The more I think and self-analyze while I’m running, the worse my performance gets.

When I think about my form, my chest tightens, my shoulders feel like boulders, and my stride lacks fluidity. Every little movement that passes through my judging eye seems wrong. But when I stop trying and lose myself completely in what I’m doing, I run strong, tall, and relaxed. My stride lengthens and my lungs open up. 

The same applies to everything else in life. When you try too hard, your performance often falters.

I’m trying to put into action Tim Ferriss’ advice from The 4-Hour Workweek: