Recently I had a dream. In this dream I met a man…
Not just any man, this guy was liquid cool. His look was crisp and his demeanor was like James Bond + the Bronze Fonze + Clark Kent + the Silver Surfer. Calm, confident, effective and all-knowing.
I was blown away. This person was on an entirely different level than I thought possible. I couldn’t figure out how someone could be like that. Of course, it was a dream but dreams being what they are, I didn’t realize that at the time.
- The bronze Fonz by Gerald P. Sawyer. via Wikipedia
As the dream moved along and I hung out with the Dude I started to put it together. The thing that set him apart, the thing that made him the marvel of success and superhuman efficiency was simply that this person was organized. And I don’t mean peg-board for tools organized…No, more like I think his hair was alphabetized. It was obviously something otherworldly – not achievable by the likes of mere mortals. When he took me to his palace (I know) it actually shined like polished chrome – not because it was polished chrome, but because it was sooooooo damned organized!
OK, it was just a stupid dream. But, it made a big impression on me. It also reminded me of something that I recently heard Jocko Willinck say on an episode of Tim Ferriss’ (awesome) podcast:
“Discipline sets you free.”
He elaborated with examples but the gist of it is that if you have discipline to take care of the stuff you need to take care of (exercise and health, finances, relationships) consistently, even when it’s hard, then you’ll be set free to do what you want because you’ll have health and good finances and good relationships. All of those can easily become a prison if neglected. That really resonated with me.
Being a programmer, organization is paramount. And I’m never good enough at it – whether in my code or in my personal life. Organization requires discipline! The discipline to write tests and not cut corners. The discipline to be actively engaged in self-improvement. The discipline to override my lazy brain and get my ass to the gym or put shit away when I’m done with it. I’ve neglected these things in the past, or been lazy – not even lazy – just passive and it ALWAYS results in less freedom in and being less effective and being more frustrated and ultimately, to being less happy.
As of this minute, I declare “No MORE!”. I will strive to be like the bronze-fonze of my dream, both in code and in life. It won’t happen overnight but it WILL happen. Here’s a cool video about the ridiculously productive YouTuber Casey Neistat’s workspace for additional inspiration.