Self-Reflection and Virtue
The Nightly Examination:
Every night, before you rest, take the time to weigh yourself against the virtues you hold dear. Reflect on whether you possess the curiosity and drive necessary to become the person you desire to be. Are you genuinely working harder each day, or are you merely pretending to make progress?
Virtues for Self-Reflection:
Integrity: Did you act with honesty and authenticity today? Were your actions aligned with your values?
Compassion: Did you show kindness and understanding to others? Were you considerate in your interactions?
Perseverance: Did you persist through challenges and setbacks? Did you give your best effort, even when it was difficult?
Humility: Were you open to learning and admitting mistakes? Did you listen and value others' perspectives?
Courage: Did you face your fears and take risks for growth? Did you stand up for what is right, even when it was hard?
The Pursuit of Clarity:
To truly become the person you desire to be, you must cultivate a curiosity that drives you toward constant improvement. It’s not enough to fantasize about your goals; you need to see them with such clarity that you understand how every breath, every action, moves you toward or away from them.
The Difference Between Exceptional and Mediocre:
Exceptional individuals have a clear, detailed vision of their end goals. They know every intimate detail of what they want to achieve and how to get there. Their daily actions are deliberate and focused on moving closer to their goals.
Mediocre individuals often get lost in conceptual and theoretical ideas. They fantasize about success but lack the concrete plans and relentless drive to make it a reality.
Daily Action Steps:
Set Clear Goals: Define your goals with precision. Understand what you want to achieve and why it matters to you.
Break Down Your Goals: Identify the specific steps needed to reach your goals. Create a roadmap with milestones and deadlines.
Track Your Progress: Monitor your actions daily. Reflect on whether you are moving closer to your goals or drifting away.
Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from trusted sources. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve.
Stay Curious: Continuously learn and explore new ideas. Keep your curiosity alive to fuel your growth and development.
To be exceptional and uncommon, you must hold yourself to the highest standards. Weigh yourself against your virtues each night and ensure that you are genuinely striving to become the person you desire to be. Cultivate a clear vision of your goals and take deliberate actions every day to move toward them. Avoid the trap of mediocrity by staying focused, curious, and committed to your growth.
