How to Write, A Life of Meaning, The Power of Consistency

Existential Espresso Vol. 106

from my ebook, “The Art of Showing Up”

What I’ve been reading:

Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

After 5 years of writing every single day and sharing my writing online, I picked up my first book on writing. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be embarrassing.

But I guess it’s never too late, right?

“Bird by Bird” is one of the most highly praised books on writing ever. I had it on my “to-read” list for years. However, there would always be yet another book on our existential predicament or the beautiful complexity of human nature that would receive priority over writing advice.

Well, the time has come. Last week, I was walking around a bookstore where, out of thousands of books on display, maybe 3% were in English. One of them was “Bird by Bird.”

If that’s not the Universe telling me, “David, the five-year anniversary of writing online might be a good time to start taking your skill to a new level,” I don’t know what is.

What I’ve been listening to:

A Life of Meaning: Exploring Our Deepest Questions and Motivations by James Hollis

This one should not be mistaken for Hollis’ book A Life of Meaning: Relocating Your Center of Spiritual Gravity.

The former is a recording I’ve been listening to on Audible, but it’s not an audiobook. It’s more a collection of explorations - it almost feels like you’re having a counseling session with the great James Hollis. It’s just that, unfortunately, you’re not able to respond to him. However, that gives you a great excuse (or a challenge?) to pick up a pen and paper and write down your thoughts.

What I’ve been thinking about:

If you have a couple of things that you know you can do every day, even on your worst day, and you do them - the consistency and structure act as unshakable pillars of your inner strength and stability. Even if everything around you is falling apart, you know you won’t.

This is about Karl, a guy who showed up for himself every day for 365 days and, by helping himself, inspired and helped everyone around him.

In the Consistency Challenge of my community, Sisyphus Society, Karl just hit a 1-year mark.

I’ll let Karl do the talking.

(If you want to read the full post, check out Karl’s instagram. Also follow his meditative artistic journey.)

Karl became an embodiment of the very thing that has kept me talking about consistency for the past five years: Showing up for yourself daily isn't just necessary for external success—it is also the foundation of inner well-being and mental health.

In honor of Karl's milestone, I'm letting everyone try the Sisyphus Society and Consistency Challenge for free.

Click here to start showing up for yourself.

Thank you for reading.

Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.

Free Resources:

Clarity Quest - self-exploration course

My Book Recommendation List

My free ebook: The Lost Art of Reading

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