I have been highly productive for the past two weeks, and that trend is unlikely to change soon.

Ever since I received my Brazilian ID, everything has fallen into place. The first post officially completed the long process of getting my first website/blog up and running. I originally planned to wait until tomorrow to post, but since things were going so well, it seemed natural to do it yesterday.

In the morning, I first went to the Portuguese bakery to have a coffee and write my journal entry for the day, usually about the day before or yesterday. After the bakery, instead of going straight for a walk to the park to work out, I planned to quickly go home (as it is just around the corner), pick up Perola, and take her with me to the park.

While I was exercising, she was free to explore the park. It was perfect.

She loved it. Going out so early in the morning was a little strange for her at first. Previously, Nalva would take her out in the evening or at night. As soon as Perola realised that I was going to take her out, she was ready and happy.

I did an intense series of exercises at the park and also skipped for at least 40 minutes. We both arrived home tired and feeling accomplished. I think we walked about 5 or 6 kilometres over a little more than two hours.

After showering and resting for half an hour, I felt restless and wanted to do something. I decided to work on my website.

I opened my laptop and reread the content I had written. I noticed some minor mistakes, corrected them, and republished the content. Then, I started preparing the next post for tomorrow. It was enjoyable to build, correct and set up the next post. By the end of the afternoon, I had decided to publish it too.

And then, one more post was on the air. The feeling of doing something well that I seem to be getting good at, but at the same time still learning and breaking barriers, is so good. I have passed the point where I need to push myself to post or do something in this area. It is pure pleasure, so I want to use whatever free time I have to prepare or publish a post for the blog.

I have recently noticed that I have a slightly compulsive nature.

If I don’t start something, nothing will happen until I push myself. This is obvious. If I repeat the same action a few times, I get on track and can keep repeating it.

Once I have mastered something, it is straightforward for me to repeat it quickly and efficiently continually. I also enjoy doing it; the quicker I can do it, the more efficient and productive I am, and I like to feel productive.

A different, slightly skewed example is that I can go 10, 12, 14, or even 16 hours without eating anything without any problem. However, if I eat a plate of food and I’m full, and then someone puts another plate in front of me, I will eat it.

The same goes for the next plate put in front of me. I am learning to set limits and exercise self-control.

I aim to use this compulsive nature positively by directing it towards tasks, responsibilities, duties, and exercise. I can use this aspect of my personality to improve myself and be more productive. Although I have seen improvement, I still have room for growth. I understand that being aware of the problem is the first step towards resolving it.

So, I worked a little on Sunday, and I loved it.

Be kind and be happy, and if you can’t be happy, still be kind, but not naïve!

In bed by 9.30 pm.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Embracing Compulsivity | How to Harness it first appeared on The Long Gringo.