Episode 12 | "Hard choices, easy life; easy choices, hard life." — Jerzy GregorekIn this episode of Strong & Awake, Dane and Mitch explore the trifecta of challenges that every human faces: the drift, the whirlwind, and the comfort crisis (our response). They reveal how our natural inclination towards comfort can lead to a life of mediocrity and despair. Through personal anecdotes and metaphors to act as anchors, they illustrate the importance of choosing voluntary discomfort to achieve a life of flourishing and strength. Join them as they challenge you to flip the script and embrace the unlikely path to a better existence.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:38 The Drift05:05 The Whirlwind06:56 The Comfort Crisis12:52 Personal Whirlwinds28:07 Our Response32:26 Building a PracticeMentions:Jerzy Gregorek: Quoted for saying, "hard choices, easy life, easy choices, hard life."Second Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy): Mentioned as the scientific concept of energy dissipation.Talking Heads: Referenced for their song with the lyric "how did I get here?"Krista Tippett: Host of On Being, the podcast which contained the original reference to  "the whirlwind of being human".Michael Easter: Author of "The Comfort Crisis," a book discussing the modern world's comfort issues.Kierkegaard: Quoted for saying, "man finds the level of despair he can tolerate and he calls it happiness."James Clear: Author of "Atomic Habits," mentioned for his new habit-tracking app called Atoms.Tim Krueger (Co-founder): Mentioned as the co-founder of Men and Women of Discomfort who passed away from stomach cancer.Book "A Grace Disguised": Mentioned as a book about grief by an author who lost his family in a car accident.Buffalo and Cows: Mentioned in the context of buffaloes running toward storms and cows running away, leading to their demise.Anchor Actions:1. Shift the Drift:Identify areas in your life where you feel your energy dissipating. This could be your health, relationships, or personal goals.Implement small, consistent habits to counteract this drift. For example, if you notice a decline in physical health, commit to a daily 10-minute exercise routine. Track your progress and adjust as needed to ensure you’re infusing energy back into these areas regularly.2. Face the Whirlwind with Preparedness:Acknowledge the unpredictable storms in your life—whether they are health issues, financial stress, or unexpected responsibilities.Prepare for these by creating a contingency plan. This could include setting aside an emergency fund, developing a mental health routine (like meditation or journaling), or building a support network. The key is to have a proactive approach to manage these challenges when they arise.3. Reject the Comfort Crisis by Choosing Hard Paths:Identify moments when you are tempted to choose comfort over growth. This could be opting to watch TV instead of working on a personal project or avoiding a difficult conversation.Commit to making at least one hard choice daily. This could mean starting your day with a cold shower, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or having that tough conversation you've been avoiding. Track these choices and reflect on the benefits you experience as a result.Join Us:Our Membership Community (MWOD) is where we embrace discomfort as a path to personal development. Remember, it's probably not for you... but if...

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