(Essay 7/30) Axioms of control

This is not an essay.
Rather, a letter to self.

I have been journaling for almost 3 months now.
It's irregular at best.

Yet, it has been the best clarity building exercise for me.

During the writing process,
I discovered - patterns in my thought process.

Such as -
I start, seldom finish.
I am an instant-dopamine addict.
I talk & act to please people. Not self.
I follow mood. Not systems.
I speak but do not articulate.
I hold back. I fear judgement.
I pursue validation, not resourcefulness.
I self-pity.

I realized a need to create new axioms.
Axioms that build control. Control is the root of character.

Control your breath, you control the mind.
Control the mind, you control your urges.
Control your urges, you control your consumption.
Control your consumption, you control your routine.
Control your routine, you stick to a system.
You stick to a system, you build habits.
You build habits, you build a character.

Axioms of control are:

Breathe 'observantly'.
Observe every moment sandwiched between an inhalation & exhalation. Every such moment is a moment lived, is a moment meditated.

One thing at a time.
Be present in whatever is being done, till it's finished.
Don't multi-think.
One action, one mind, one time.

Own your words.
Every word uttered has value, has meaning.
Utter words, those which are not at conflict with the soul.
Utter words, after pausing & thinking.
Utter words that you can own.

Observe what & how much you consume.
Be selective in what you watch, listen, eat & indulge.

Be resourceful.
What can be done today to move the needle tomorrow ?
Get the clarity the previous night.
Get it done by end of today. Don't hold back.
So you would've moved the needle tomorrow.

Last - Respect self before others.