Tag: philosophy

To be able, like Radhanath Swami, to write a book like The Journey Home and call it an autobiography is something that only a tiny fraction of men throughout history have had the opportunity to do. And it is difficult to imagine how satisfying it must be to look back and have experienced a story like this, as incredible as instructive, and only not exemplary because it could never be lived by an ordinary man. To have similar experiences, one must have the courage of madmen, who fear nothing and are always willing to lose what they have. But there is further proof that madness pays off, and that this world seems somewhat different to those willing to sacrifice themselves to achieve what they most intimately desire.

Whenever we tend to complain about bad luck, about the obstacles imposed by fate, it is worth remembering a handful of biographies, both ancient and modern, that demonstrate how much can be achieved with willpower alone. The effect is humbling. Because, in truth, when this is strong enough, one does what one wants. And the endless examples lead to the conclusion that lack of conditions and resources are less real impediments than subterfuges employed by those who perhaps do not want it enough, or simply do not deserve what they regret not being able to achieve.

In any long-term plan, it is essential to establish stages to be completed, each one ending with a smaller goal. During the process, these milestones, rather than the overall goal, will be used as references, and it is on them that the mind should focus. This avoids aiming for a target that is too distant, which may cause hesitation about the possibility of achieving it. By focusing on small goals and stages with a clearly visible end, motivation gains the consistency necessary to avoid being affected by what is unlikely to happen.

The exercise of discipline, even in seemingly unimportant tasks, strengthens the sense of continuity between days, producing, in the long term, an awareness of one’s own rhythm that is satisfying as it evolves. From this springs the pleasure of simply continuing what was started in the past, with greater skill than yesterday and less than tomorrow. Over time, evolution becomes a source of pride, and one experiences in the routine, which brings to fruition a long-term project, a strong emotional involvement.