Heartbreak Inoculation

Letter Zero.6

Dear friend,

I was less disappointed than I expected when the Boston Marathon was postponed this week. Just being thankful for my health doesn’t explain it. Shouldn’t I be angry that one of my big life goals was within reach and now it’s uncertain? Sure, I am annoyed, but why am I not a little more heartbroken?

An idea that profoundly changed me came from Scot Adams book, How to Fail at Almost Anything and Still Win Big. He encourages people to switch from a goal mentality to a system-based approach to your life.

If you are goal-focused you are in a constant state of failure until you reach your goal. When you hit your goal the euphoria is short lived because your cup is emptied as you search for a new goal. Goals make you susceptible to fear of failure, crippling your creative abilities. Goals can make you hostile when things aren’t going your way.

When you are system-focused, every ounce of effort is a meaningful contribution to your mission. A system has no end, so it gets stronger every day. You are able to adapt to the shifting ground, unexpected opportunities, and the surprising obstacles that leave goal-focused people angry or heartbroken. 

When you find joy in the daily maintenance of a system, you’re nearly unbreakable. Every mile is effort to becoming a better runner. Every word is an attempt to become a better writer. This is how I can keep running when the Boston Marathon is canceled. It is how I can keep writing when my book isn’t selling.

My training involves words and miles, but what does your system look like? I will write again next Sunday. Stay creative.

Your friend,
Adrian

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