Friction of the path

Wednesday, March 5

If you’re trying to become your best - develop a skill, get healthy, be a better leader, master your emotions, build mental toughness, or anything else - you can’t keep doing the same old things.

That sounds obvious, but most people want new results with their old habits. It doesn’t work that way. New goals require new habits.

But here’s what makes it even harder: the moment you start living differently, you’ll notice you’re out of sync with the people around you. The habits of someone who’s intentional look very different from the habits of someone who’s settled for average.

And when that happens, expect friction.

You’re trying to prioritize rest and healthier decisions, but your friends want you to go out with them, staying up late and drinking. Friction.

You’re spending evenings working on a skill, while your coworkers connect over the show they binged last night. Friction.

You’re trying to cut back on gossip, while a colleague starts trashing someone. Friction.

This is normal. Other people aren’t on your path — they won’t understand your decisions. Sometimes they’ll question you. Sometimes they’ll criticize you. And sometimes they’re not even being negative — they just don’t get it.

That’s okay.

The key is to expect it and be confident enough in your path to keep going. Different goals will cost you some comfort and some approval. But that’s part of the deal.

Don’t waste energy focusing on the friction. Focus on your path.
​
Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin