A short podcast (Micro Class) by Brian Johnson presenting a self-mastery technique inspired by David Reynolds' book Constructive Living. Johnson explains the practice of acknowledging emotions and then asking the question “Now what needs to be done?” to prompt action regardless of feeling, emphasizing that behavior precedes and shapes feelings and that consistent action builds self-control and character.
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Hey guys, what's up? This is Brian with another optimal living 101. This one is called now what Needs to Be Done. This is one of my favorite ideas from one of my favorite books you've probably never heard of. It's called Constructive Living by a guy named David Reynolds. And Dan Millman recommended it to me years ago. David Reynolds is one of his friends and favorite teachers. Great book, Constructive Living. We have a philosopher's note on it as well. I'll share with you below. Let's jump in. So now what needs to be done? It's an amazing question that is one of the tickets to self mastery and self control. So Da Vinci tells us one can have no smaller or greater mastery than than mastery of oneself. And scientists agree self control is the greatest predictor of all the things we want to experience in our lives. More happiness, more meaning, more wealth, more mojo. Self mastery. That's what it comes down to. And this is a great, great way to develop that. So David Reynolds tells us, every situation, every moment provides the opportunity for self growth and development of your character. Every situation, every moment provides the opportunity for self growth and development of your character. Well, that's exciting. So the rule here is if you're feeling nervous, disappointed, anxious or shy, you ask yourself, now what needs to be done? If you're feeling angry, afraid, frustrated, tired, depressed, okay, you accept those emotions. And then you ask yourself, now what needs to be done? Feeling stressed, annoyed or jealous or hurt or sad or whatever.
Great.
Now what needs to be done? David Reynolds tells us, the mature human being goes about doing what needs to be done regardless of whether that person feels great or terrible. Knowing you are the kind of person with that kind of self control brings all the satisfaction and confidence you will ever need. Even on days when the satisfaction and confidence just aren't there, you can get the job done anyway. Huge idea. And he also makes a big point that feelings follow behavior. A lot of times we get confused and we think, oh, well, I'll do that when I feel good, I'll do that when I feel inspired. But the reality is taking action creates the very feelings that we want to experience. Feelings follow behavior, Reynolds tells us, and one of the best ways to create the best feelings is to take consistent, impeccable action in this question. Now what needs to be done is an extraordinary guide. So next time you're feeling any of these icky emotions, ask yourself, accept it. Not trying to get rid of the emotions but notice the emotion and then ask, now what needs to be done? Remember, one can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself. And here's to mastering ourselves through this little tool. Now, what needs to be done? Hope you enjoyed have another awesome day. If you're feeling a little funky today at some point, ask this question and try it out. Let me know how it goes. All right? Have an awesome day. Look forward to sharing more with you soon. See ya.
Hi, this is Brian. I hope you enjoyed that micro class. If so, I think you'll enjoy everything else we offer at BrianJohnson me. Two basic things one our free newsletter. It's called the Optimizer. Over 50,000 people start their day with it and they tell us it's pretty awesome. And 2 our optimal living Membership program. This is where I put all my best stuff. 10 bucks a month for a ton of wisdom. Two primary things in there philosopher's notes plus optimal living 101 classes. When you sign up, you'll get instant access to 250 philosopher's notes, which are basically six page PDFs and 20 minute MP3s where I capture my favorite big ideas for from great books. The PNTV episodes are kind of a mini version of all that Goodness. You'll also get instant access to all my Optimal Living classes. This is where I take all the ideas we cover in the Philosopher's Notes and boil it down to the most practical stuff you can apply today. Classes include Confidence 101, Getting Stuff Done 101, Relationships 101, Habits 101, et cetera. You'll also get access to what we call micro classes that I think you'll love. We aim to astonish, and we're blessed to have thousands of members telling us we're helping them change their lives and that this is the best 10 bucks they invest in themselves every month. Go to BrianJohnson ME membership to learn more. Thanks for your support and have an awesome day.
