Name: Do the Work
Rating: 4.1 (46 reviews)
Author: Gary John Bishop

What’s in it for me? Grab your life by the reins.

You want to do the work, right? You want to be productive and feel satisfied – like your life is on track. But if you chose this Blink, chances are something isn’t quite working. In fact, you’re probably looking for change. So then the question is, What’s standing in your way?

Too often, we delude ourselves into believing that external factors are to blame: If only we had more money, or more luck. If only someone else would give us a break. But the real obstacle lies within. It’s in the internal chaos and clutter clouding our minds. It’s in the negative way we think and talk to ourselves, and in the self-sabotaging behavior patterns we get stuck in.

This is what we’re going to confront in this Blink. By tackling these harmful narratives head-on through three core pillars – self, people, and purpose – you’ll gain clarity and be able to steer your life in the direction you desire.

Fair warning: to get results, you’re going to have to be brutally honest with yourself!

No more excuses

You don’t need a Blink to tell you that internal narratives are a powerful thing. But let’s take a closer look at what’s going on in your head, and consider the ways in which these thoughts might be standing in the way of personal growth.

We all have individual traits or behaviors that we struggle to get rid of. These could be perceived shortcomings in character, specific emotions, or particular habits that others may seem to handle effortlessly. Often, we become acutely aware of these “dark spots” and, instead of addressing them, adjust our lives to avoid the potential disruptions they might cause. In doing so, we erect a fortress of excuses to shield ourselves from confronting these truths.

Interestingly, this behavior isn't just about evasion. It's more like self-toleration: we passively acknowledge and accept our flaws – be they procrastination, a short temper, or over-politeness – and organize our entire lives around these unchallenged truths.

For transformation to happen, this pattern of self-toleration must be disrupted. Imagine the possibilities if, instead of succumbing to the thought I'm a procrastinator, you actively challenged that belief? This aligns with Epictetus's wisdom: Identify who you wish to be, then act accordingly.

To kickstart this introspection, there are a few things to consider.

First, identify any traits you feel are “too much” in you – like I'm too passive.

Second, explore areas where you feel you're lacking. For instance, I'm not confident enough.

Finally, probe the justifications you've made to maintain your status quo.

Reflect on which trait, when conquered, would be your personal victory flag – symbolizing genuine self-growth. Understanding this can shed light on your daily actions and choices. What consistent, new action could reflect this newfound mastery? And, when confronted with your habitual thoughts or behaviors, what alternative steps could you take instead?

To put these ideas into practice, make written promises to yourself. Keep in mind that these promises aren’t set in stone – they can be redefined with changing needs and circumstances. But they should resemble personal contracts, with specific goals, deadlines, and challenges to fuel growth.

So embrace this paradigm shift, and start crafting your commitments.

Building better relationships

Picture this: You spoke up during a meeting, and your boss moved on without validating your suggestion. Now negative emotions are welling up inside of you, reminiscent of feeling overlooked by mom or dad.

It's fascinating to realize that our childhood experiences, from bonding with our grandparents and siblings to interactions with schoolmates and teachers, lay the foundation for our adult relationships. But that doesn’t mean we need to perpetuate emotional reactions that aren’t serving us.

Redefining your purpose

Have you ever heard that adage, Discover your purpose, and you'll never toil again? It's a charming notion but a tad misleading. Searching for purpose isn’t like hunting for a lost item; it's a profound introspection.

Imagine purpose as a driving force – a compelling reason to truly engage with life rather than simply coast through it. It's about living intentionally, and making choices that align with your core beliefs and goals. Ask yourself how your life would transform if every step you took was filled with purpose? What facets of your existence feel devoid of meaning or intention right now? Look at these pivotal regions that don't quite match your aspirations, and ask, Why?

Seven steps to change your life

As you know, the human brain is like a vast, interconnected web; each choice or thought pattern can create or strengthen different threads. Let's wrap things up by looking at seven transformative exercises designed to help you intentionally forge neural pathways that serve you better.

First, be willing. Recognize that the life you currently lead is what you've been willing to accept. Take a moment and identify a day in your upcoming week where you'll challenge your status quo – and embrace a new opportunity or set a boundary against something you no longer want to tolerate.

What is Do the Work about?

Do the Work (2019) is a guide that urges people to confront and overcome their self-imposed limitations in order to achieve personal transformation. Through actionable insights and transformative exercises, you can take control of your career and get on track for a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

About the Author

Gary John Bishop is a best-selling author and personal development expert known for his no-nonsense approach to self-help. Hailing from Scotland, he gained widespread recognition with his book Unfu*k Yourself, which blends tough love with actionable advice, and emphasizes the importance of self-accountability in achieving your goals.