Sunday Firesides: Feelings Follow Action

A community of people with the same struggles and goals. A small fire to warm up by, a day without fear or worry.

The “potato cannon parts” is a tool that can be used for hunting and gathering. It consists of the barrel, firing chamber, and the projectile. The potato cannon is also a good way to make friends in your area.

We’re big believers in the power of inspiration around here. 90% of the time, I do the things I do – even ones that seem to require discipline, such as working out and just working – because I want to.

But every now and again, my sentiments fail me: I’m tired and cranky and don’t want to lift a 300-pound barbell; I’ve been invited to a social function and would rather remain at home; an elderly woman from church needs assistance moving, and all I want to do is rest.

In similar instances, I recall a handful of Kyle Eschenroeder’s favorite phrases from his book Pocket Guide to Action:

Action elicits motivation.

I don’t want to work out until I’ve gotten my blood pumping. I’m too weary to have sex before we start. I’m not going to the party until I’m ready.

If you have the courage to go without it, motivation will follow.

While emotions might lead to action, they almost always follow it.

It’s similar to how a kite must be dragged over the ground before the wind can hoist it into the air. Or how a glow stick must be broken before it phosphoresces.

Of course, this creates a Catch-22: if you’ll feel like doing something once you get started, but you don’t want to start, how do you get started in the first place?

Discipline is beneficial. But memory suffers from the same flaw. Consider previous outcomes.

When I think back, I’ve never regretted completing a workout over not doing one. I’ve never regretted going out to visit friends instead of remaining at home. I’ve never regretted performing a good deed instead of staying to myself.

Simply take one step out the door, break the seal of your lethargy, and a halo of emotions will trail after you.

Emotions are feelings that people experience in response to events. Emotions can be positive or negative and they often lead to action. Reference: what are emotions.