02 Negative thoughts, emotional habits, and self-regulation

No. 2 – 16 December 2022

Welcome to the 2nd edition of 4-TP, a weekly newsletter with the actionable insights you need.

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TPL Article

If left unchecked, your negative thoughts can turn into bad habits and drive you into a downward negative spiral.

— Read more​

Insight

Epictetus, on countering your thoughts:

"Don’t let the force of the impression when first it hits you knock you off your feet; just say to it, ‘Hold on a moment; let me see who you are and what you represent. Let me put you to the test.’ Next, don’t let it pull you in by picturing to yourself the pleasures that await you. Otherwise it will lead you by the nose wherever it wants. Oppose it with some good and honorable thought, and put the dirty one to rout. Practice this regularly, and you’ll see what shoulders, what muscles, what stamina you acquire."

Micro Thought

Habits are invaluable for discipline. But discipline requires repetition, sometimes mind-numbing and boring repetition. And during these moments, you'll face thoughts and emotions that may derail you and your performance. Those are normal. After all, you're human. The key is to trust the process, stick to your system, and manage your expectations.

Question

When faced with a hard physical or mental challenge, how do you regulate your emotions and thoughts? What do you do or tell yourself?

Till next time,
— Carlos & Stef