Why Long-Term Commitment Outperforms Shortcuts

Every time I take on a challenge, I find myself resorting to brute force, instantly purging myself of don'ts and focusing on what I need to do. However, upon reflection, most of the successful challenges I've imposed on myself were achieved after a slow reduction of don'ts during trial runs. The only successful shortcut was my vegetarian challenge, which I iterated on to become more flexible.

The best analogy to consider when deciding between a long-term method or shortcut/brute force is a workout routine. The most effective and sustainable workouts progress slowly, almost as if you're not working out at all. Those who build slowly and consistently over time turn it into a habit, making it effective in the long term. But at the beginning, you may question if you're really working out because the intensity doesn't match the stereotype of a hardcore fitness regimen. Initially, I too advocated for brute force to achieve rapid results, but along the way, without momentum, everything felt like a task.

I only fully realized this recently: forcibly implementing habits isn't as effective as slowly building momentum and making it a habit. I underestimated the power of time and small steps. Building a sustainable habit, like working out, should start with the smallest possible steps to avoid intimidating or overwhelming oneself. This gradual approach allows things to be adapted and built on a sturdy foundation.

Brute force requires ultimate willpower and discipline. But who has that for New Year's resolutions? Very few. For most people, the long-term journey yields faster results compared to brute force, which often results in returning to old, mindless habits.

Instant gratification breeds overconfidence, leading you to believe that reverting to old habits will be effortless because you've done it before. However, returning to those old ways proves challenging as comfort sets in, and brute force intimidates. This is when you start to contemplate the power of delayed gratification, reflecting on the effort invested and gaining a profound appreciation. It's through gradual and sustainable challenges that you begin to realize you've achieved the position you once dreamed of.