Atomic Essay 1: Why Do I Sometimes Over Indulge?
Here’s a simple rule of thumb for the next time you feel yourself over-indulging: every excess hides a lack.
Instead of focusing on curbing the excess — willing yourself to eat less or gamble less or be less of a crazy stalker — ask yourself what the excess is compensating for. What are you lacking that you’re trying to cover up or hide? Get rid of the sense of lacking and suddenly the excess becomes more manageable. Fighting against your excesses is incredibly hard. But plugging the hole that causes them in the first place can be far more efficient.
This is not only a useful approach to addiction and compulsive behaviors, but it’s also a useful tool for whenever you find yourself setting goals and not being able to stick to them.
You want to get in shape but “accidentally” ate a large pizza last night? Ask yourself: what was the trigger? Usually, it was some sense of inadequacy at that moment. Find out what that was and strategize how to avoid it in the future.
About my atomic essays: Let’s be informed, not influenced
As an adult, we stop asking questions. Or at least at the same frequency as we did as kids. I want to change that.
I want to ask more questions, and ask the right questions. These questions are not necessarily to find A RIGHT answer. They’re all about making me think more, reflect on things, and maybe even challenge some of the stuff I thought I knew.
I take it as a little adventure for my brain. Each question is like a puzzle piece, and when I put them together, they create a bigger picture of understanding. It’s a small step to become a bit better at life.
My atomic essays are a short explanation of what I learnt. Hopefully it also helps someone with something.
