Balancing Self-Discipline with Self-Compassion 🧘‍♀️

Welcome to Day 3/30 of this newsletter challenge.

Over the next 30 days, I’ll send out a daily email featuring someone who I think has found ways to Set The Pace in their life (shameless plug) and share the unique ways they go about their work, life, and everything in between.

The email will be divided into:

• 3 insights into our guests’ life

• 2 quotes that leave you a little better than they found you

• 1 podcast recommendation

3 Insights

Matt Camilleri 💫 

Matt is a physio, an amateur fisherman, and a previous podcast guest who loves to tackle and demystify pain and always leaves people better than he finds them; fitting for a physio, right? that’s what I thought.

In today’s newsletter, Matt gives us insight into how he approaches making changes in his routine and his proven ways of staying motivated on projects or finding energizing hobbies. Matt emphasizes consistency, self-awareness, and a structured approach. Matt’s overall commitment to intentional living all starts with small steps, and I think it’s something we can learn from…

So, let’s get hooked in:

1. What routine do you use to get ready for busy periods?

   Olivia: ‘I’m a fan of stoicism so I’m gonna start off by quoting Aristotle: “Well begun is half done”. Planning is key for me when I get really busy. So in a nutshell when I have a busy period, I amp up my self-discipline. I make sure to prioritize my ‘needs’ over my ‘wants’. I try to plan my schedule ahead as much as possible and ensure that everything is on my calendar. If there are things of lower priority that I can push back, I do so. I sleep early and forget about Netflix; regarding food, I take it back to good old basic recipes, ensuring I have leftovers to tide me over the next day’s lunch. I also plan & prep my outfits, at times 2 or 3 days at a go. I also do my best to be in touch with my energy levels as the week progresses; whilst I love training, if needed I tone it down on training and go for a walk or do some stretching instead.’

2. How do refrain from going down the self help rabbit hole and actually do the work on yourself?'

   Olivia: ‘Usually I realise once I’m starting down the rabbit hole. At this age and point in my career, I know how to catch myself sooner. I’ve learned to dial down the self-judgment and instead focus on being humble and compassionate with myself. I tap into what I’ve learned in therapy and life experience in general and remind myself of my ‘new’ ways of handling situations and emotions rather than get carried away with my old habits. I’m a staunch believer in practicing what I preach so working on myself is a priority for me. I cannot be of service and support to others if I’m not committed to my own growth. They go hand in hand.’

3. What’s one of the best ways you practice self-compassion?

   Olivia: ‘The most effective way I find that helps to snap you out of a self-loathing spiral is to ask yourself: If I switched places with my best friend/loved one, would I speak to them like this? We tend to be quite nasty with our inner chatter and would never dream of speaking to a friend that way. You cannot shame yourself into growth. Think of whatever negative situation or mistake as an opportunity to learn. Rather than labeling an experience as good or bad, it’s much more productive & conducive to growth to understand why you made that choice that led to the mistake for example. What did you learn? What will you try to do differently next time?‘

2 quotes

“Where we think we need more self-discipline, we usually need more self-love.” -Tara Mohr

“Wherever we’re trying to go, we do not bully ourselves there. We believe ourselves there.”-Leeana Tankersley

1 podcast recommendation

See you back tomorrow!

Mar 🐙