This really resonated with me. I grew up seeing people praised for being “hard workers,” even when they were running themselves into the ground physically, emotionally and spiritually. Now I realize they weren’t lacking effort. They were stuck in systems that didn’t serve them. What you’re sharing here is so powerful because it gives us permission to do things differently. It’s not about working less, it’s about working wiser. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that discipline doesn’t mean struggle. It means building habits that support her joy, growth and peace. Thank you for laying it out in such a clear and empowering way Idris Elijah!
Maria, you are so welcome. Working wiser is the means to success. Steamrolling your way through to success, often never gives the results we hoped for--you see that. You certainly passing along some great knowledge. Thank you! 😊
You make a great point that discipline isn’t about forcing things. It’s about building habits that make sense for you. A few months ago I knew I had to make changes to my diet. I was feeling sluggish at times and jittery at other times. Too much ice cream and mashed potatoes! So I changed those foods with healthier alternatives that I still enjoy a lot. Hummus and Greek yogurt. Then I added in green smoothies and before I knew it I had created a system that works for me. It’s still a work in progress but I’m on the right track. Thank you for breaking down systems so simply and effectively Idris!
Thanks Brian for your kind words. I'm pleased to hear you've successfully made some much needed change in your life. You are someone who eats healthy. Kudos for your progress and perseverance. 🙏🏾
A few months ago, after your newsletter on fear, I decided to tackle my public speaking anxiety. I started small and made it a weekly habit, practicing after work or during casual hangouts. Today’s newsletter reminded me that this isn’t about forcing myself through willpower, but building a system that works. I’m shifting my identity and becoming someone who speaks confidently. Rewarding myself after each practice keeps me motivated too. Thanks for the great insights that keep me growing!
I'm pleased to hear about your progress over the last few months. Rewards help out a ton when you're starting off a new habit or continuing to do after the initial hurtle. Thank you for you kind words Clark, you're the best! 🙌🏾🙃
Reading this reminded me how much simplifying my life was really the first step in building better systems. Once I cleared out distractions like unfulfilling friendships, clutter and soul-draining content, I actually had the space to notice my habits and start making changes. Like you said today, it’s not about forcing discipline. It’s about making things easier, more automatic and aligned with who I’m becoming. That identity shift is powerful. Loved this one Idris Elijah!
I'm so glad you did. You also make a few great points. Simplifying your life is the first step in building better systems in the same way you can't expect to heal in the enviroment that got you sick. Also, what you said about gaining the space to notice your habits and start making changes. You can't make change when you aren't of the mindset that there might be some areas in life in need of improvements. Then come the alignment between who you are and who you want to become. Brillaint Jody! 🙃🙌🏾
This really helped me reframe the way I think about discipline. I’ve always blamed myself for not having enough willpower, especially when it comes to writing consistently. But now I see it’s more of a systems issue. I just set a goal to write one paragraph right after I make my morning coffee. No pressure, just a tiny, automatic step. That shift from behavior to identity really stuck with me too. I’m not “trying” to be a writer. I am one, because I show up. This was a great read, thank you Idris Elijah!
This is great, especially for your writing. To get better you have to put in the reps. It's not something you could technically read about. It's all in the doing. You are most certainly a writer. Feel free to share your writing in the newsletter chat. I'd love to take a look 🙃
This really resonated with me. I grew up seeing people praised for being “hard workers,” even when they were running themselves into the ground physically, emotionally and spiritually. Now I realize they weren’t lacking effort. They were stuck in systems that didn’t serve them. What you’re sharing here is so powerful because it gives us permission to do things differently. It’s not about working less, it’s about working wiser. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that discipline doesn’t mean struggle. It means building habits that support her joy, growth and peace. Thank you for laying it out in such a clear and empowering way Idris Elijah!
Maria, you are so welcome. Working wiser is the means to success. Steamrolling your way through to success, often never gives the results we hoped for--you see that. You certainly passing along some great knowledge. Thank you! 😊
You make a great point that discipline isn’t about forcing things. It’s about building habits that make sense for you. A few months ago I knew I had to make changes to my diet. I was feeling sluggish at times and jittery at other times. Too much ice cream and mashed potatoes! So I changed those foods with healthier alternatives that I still enjoy a lot. Hummus and Greek yogurt. Then I added in green smoothies and before I knew it I had created a system that works for me. It’s still a work in progress but I’m on the right track. Thank you for breaking down systems so simply and effectively Idris!
Thanks Brian for your kind words. I'm pleased to hear you've successfully made some much needed change in your life. You are someone who eats healthy. Kudos for your progress and perseverance. 🙏🏾
A few months ago, after your newsletter on fear, I decided to tackle my public speaking anxiety. I started small and made it a weekly habit, practicing after work or during casual hangouts. Today’s newsletter reminded me that this isn’t about forcing myself through willpower, but building a system that works. I’m shifting my identity and becoming someone who speaks confidently. Rewarding myself after each practice keeps me motivated too. Thanks for the great insights that keep me growing!
I'm pleased to hear about your progress over the last few months. Rewards help out a ton when you're starting off a new habit or continuing to do after the initial hurtle. Thank you for you kind words Clark, you're the best! 🙌🏾🙃
Reading this reminded me how much simplifying my life was really the first step in building better systems. Once I cleared out distractions like unfulfilling friendships, clutter and soul-draining content, I actually had the space to notice my habits and start making changes. Like you said today, it’s not about forcing discipline. It’s about making things easier, more automatic and aligned with who I’m becoming. That identity shift is powerful. Loved this one Idris Elijah!
I'm so glad you did. You also make a few great points. Simplifying your life is the first step in building better systems in the same way you can't expect to heal in the enviroment that got you sick. Also, what you said about gaining the space to notice your habits and start making changes. You can't make change when you aren't of the mindset that there might be some areas in life in need of improvements. Then come the alignment between who you are and who you want to become. Brillaint Jody! 🙃🙌🏾
This really helped me reframe the way I think about discipline. I’ve always blamed myself for not having enough willpower, especially when it comes to writing consistently. But now I see it’s more of a systems issue. I just set a goal to write one paragraph right after I make my morning coffee. No pressure, just a tiny, automatic step. That shift from behavior to identity really stuck with me too. I’m not “trying” to be a writer. I am one, because I show up. This was a great read, thank you Idris Elijah!
This is great, especially for your writing. To get better you have to put in the reps. It's not something you could technically read about. It's all in the doing. You are most certainly a writer. Feel free to share your writing in the newsletter chat. I'd love to take a look 🙃