I just took a test and I feel so disappointed in myself. I didn’t try everything. I studied, but I didn’t apply myself enough. I tell myself so much about working hard, and yet I didn’t work hard enough. And I think that’s what bothers me more than whatever grade I end up getting. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about changing myself and becoming a better version of myself. I have this image in my head of the person I want to be: disciplined, hardworking, consistent, taking care of myself, doing what needs to be done even when I don’t feel like doing it. But I’m realizing that wanting to be that person and actually living like that person are two completely different things. I can tell myself all day that I want to change, but eventually my actions have to match what I’m saying. I can’t keep relying on motivation or waiting until I suddenly “feel disciplined.” Change has to happen in the small decisions I make every day. At the same time, I don’t think one bad test, one lazy day, or one bad decision means I’ve failed at changing. I think I used to look at change as something where I had to completely transform overnight. If I messed up, I would feel like I was right back at the beginning. Now I’m starting to think it’s more about winning the majority of those small decisions. Studying when I said I would study. Getting up when I said I would get up. Taking care of my body. Keeping my environment clean. Doing things now instead of constantly telling myself I’ll do them later. I’m probably still going to mess up sometimes. Plans are going to fall apart. I’m going to procrastinate sometimes. There will probably be more moments where I’m disappointed in myself like I am right now. But maybe becoming better isn’t about never slipping back into old habits. Maybe it’s about noticing when you do and choosing not to stay there. I don’t want to spend my life constantly talking about the person I’m going to become. I want my habits to eventually prove who I am. submitted by /u/Cautious_Break_9314
Originally posted by u/Cautious_Break_9314 on r/AskMen