Comments on: Eager vs. Lazy Lifestyle http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/ Are you pondering what I'm pondering? Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:15:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Elliptical reviews http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-1087 Elliptical reviews Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:17:01 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-1087 Strongly suggest adding a "google+" button for the blog! Strongly suggest adding a “google+” button for the blog!

]]> By: Tony http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-81 Tony Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:45:13 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-81 You actually remind me a lot of myself when I was younger. It's OK, not to know what direction you want to pursue in life, yet. However, the sooner you figure it out, the more time you have to be the absolute best. They say that to be an expert in anything takes 10,000 hours of practice. Mozart composed his first symphony at 6 years old. What do you have to show for your life so far as a 20 year old? How many hours have you wasted so far trying to figure out where to direct you focus? I'm not trying to make you feel bad, just understand that it's not a matter of time. More than likely, it won't just come to you out of nowhere, though it might. You need to be actively seeking out your direction, in order to find it. That's an eager attitude, hehe. I'm sure you will find your purpose, and be able to direct your passion towards something you really care about, and I hope it happens sooner rather than later, haha. Thanks for the comment, and best of luck to you! You actually remind me a lot of myself when I was younger. It’s OK, not to know what direction you want to pursue in life, yet. However, the sooner you figure it out, the more time you have to be the absolute best. They say that to be an expert in anything takes 10,000 hours of practice. Mozart composed his first symphony at 6 years old. What do you have to show for your life so far as a 20 year old? How many hours have you wasted so far trying to figure out where to direct you focus? I’m not trying to make you feel bad, just understand that it’s not a matter of time. More than likely, it won’t just come to you out of nowhere, though it might. You need to be actively seeking out your direction, in order to find it. That’s an eager attitude, hehe.

I’m sure you will find your purpose, and be able to direct your passion towards something you really care about, and I hope it happens sooner rather than later, haha. Thanks for the comment, and best of luck to you!

]]> By: Yassen http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-79 Yassen Tue, 24 Feb 2009 06:32:30 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-79 I was actually trying to figure out a way to show you a link, and this was the last place I spoke to you, so here! http://xkcd.com/521/ I think you'll like it on multiple levels (make sure to mouse-over the image) :D But of course I ended up reading both new blogs and every comment. I've thought about a lot of the same things you mention in this post, and the word that comes to mind is "passion." I think it's our main driving force in life. What we're passionate for propels us and motivates us to get up every morning and get through the arduous parts of our day. Some people aren't sure what they're passionate about and twiddle away their days, dipping their feet here and there, seeing what they like and don't like, but never fully committing. Maybe as an outlet, they'll commit to a video game and excel in it, just to end up feeling a hollow satisfaction for their great ambitions. Yet who's to blame them? I personally think it's a greater mistake to force yourself into one pursuit you have serious doubts about, than to just hold back and observe how you experience your life so as to be certain in figuring out your own, true path. I know that's where I'm at- just chillin' in the midpoint between academia and the real world, not sure what I want, yet trying everything out. By the loose definitions you put up, I guess you could call me lazy; I procrastinate an awful lot and never keep up the pace in my classes. I'd rather chill with my friends and not worry about tomorrow when I get off work, or just go watch the sky. But then I pull out of my ass top-notch achievements in half a night and have a better fundamental understanding of course material than most anyone in the course, so then you could call me quite passionate (or eager). I think it really depends on the context. Ronald seems to have his shit together, and knows what he's passionate about (so he's leading a content life). Others are still finding their way, yet come off as bums according to this dichotomy, even though they're just as passionate as Ronald- they're just missing their outlet. But maybe I'm just extracting my own thoughts from your post :P Good read, either way. I was actually trying to figure out a way to show you a link, and this was the last place I spoke to you, so here!
http://xkcd.com/521/
I think you’ll like it on multiple levels (make sure to mouse-over the image) :D

But of course I ended up reading both new blogs and every comment.

I’ve thought about a lot of the same things you mention in this post, and the word that comes to mind is “passion.” I think it’s our main driving force in life. What we’re passionate for propels us and motivates us to get up every morning and get through the arduous parts of our day. Some people aren’t sure what they’re passionate about and twiddle away their days, dipping their feet here and there, seeing what they like and don’t like, but never fully committing. Maybe as an outlet, they’ll commit to a video game and excel in it, just to end up feeling a hollow satisfaction for their great ambitions.

Yet who’s to blame them? I personally think it’s a greater mistake to force yourself into one pursuit you have serious doubts about, than to just hold back and observe how you experience your life so as to be certain in figuring out your own, true path. I know that’s where I’m at- just chillin’ in the midpoint between academia and the real world, not sure what I want, yet trying everything out. By the loose definitions you put up, I guess you could call me lazy; I procrastinate an awful lot and never keep up the pace in my classes. I’d rather chill with my friends and not worry about tomorrow when I get off work, or just go watch the sky. But then I pull out of my ass top-notch achievements in half a night and have a better fundamental understanding of course material than most anyone in the course, so then you could call me quite passionate (or eager).

I think it really depends on the context. Ronald seems to have his shit together, and knows what he’s passionate about (so he’s leading a content life). Others are still finding their way, yet come off as bums according to this dichotomy, even though they’re just as passionate as Ronald- they’re just missing their outlet. But maybe I’m just extracting my own thoughts from your post :P Good read, either way.

]]> By: Christie http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-77 Christie Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:47:33 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-77 Okay, you got me on programing being inherently creative. I guess I really should have said it's not obviously creative. My biggest goal right now is to stop making decisions based on fear. Coming down here was a great first step for that, but there's a lot more I want to do. I will probably write a blog entry on this soon. More specifically (but by no means the whole story) I am going back to school part time in the summer, and I am determined to actually apply myself this time. I would probably describe what I'm going for as pretty similar to what you seem to have going... a realignment of value and perspective. Oh, and as much as I study people to figure out social cues and actions, I still feel like I have a ways to go... so I will definitely be keeping my eye out for your blog on the subject! Okay, you got me on programing being inherently creative. I guess I really should have said it’s not obviously creative.
My biggest goal right now is to stop making decisions based on fear. Coming down here was a great first step for that, but there’s a lot more I want to do. I will probably write a blog entry on this soon. More specifically (but by no means the whole story) I am going back to school part time in the summer, and I am determined to actually apply myself this time. I would probably describe what I’m going for as pretty similar to what you seem to have going… a realignment of value and perspective.
Oh, and as much as I study people to figure out social cues and actions, I still feel like I have a ways to go… so I will definitely be keeping my eye out for your blog on the subject!

]]> By: dtonev http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-76 dtonev Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:05:35 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-76 Tony, I enjoyed reading your post and all the conversations that followed. You are a good community that stimulates everyone to be more successful in life and achieve things that matter for him. I agree with Jennifer that most people fall in-between lazy and eager (or at least we want to think that way). It is hard to be eager if you have not found your passion and established your value system (it took a way too long for me). So, sometimes it pays off to be patient and dig within yourself to find the real you. I agree that change is a hard, because we are on auto-pilot most of the time. I like Anthony Robbins’s perspective on the subject. The primary objective of human mind is to avoid pain. So, our habits are nothing more that things that protect us from being hurt. If we touch a hot surface and get burned badly, our mind will automatically make a habit not to touch the hot surface again. It is instantaneous, and does not take any effort on our part. Our feelings drive the habits we create. So, In order to make a change we need to associate massive pain with not making that change by collecting evidences supporting that. The pain does not need to be physical, most of the pain we feel is imaginary. For example the pain of rejection is as real as the pain from a hot surface. Anyway, I applaud all of you for the important changes you have made in your life and the desire to get better and learn from each others. Tony, I enjoyed reading your post and all the conversations that followed. You are a good community that stimulates everyone to be more successful in life and achieve things that matter for him. I agree with Jennifer that most people fall in-between lazy and eager (or at least we want to think that way). It is hard to be eager if you have not found your passion and established your value system (it took a way too long for me). So, sometimes it pays off to be patient and dig within yourself to find the real you.
I agree that change is a hard, because we are on auto-pilot most of the time. I like Anthony Robbins’s perspective on the subject. The primary objective of human mind is to avoid pain. So, our habits are nothing more that things that protect us from being hurt. If we touch a hot surface and get burned badly, our mind will automatically make a habit not to touch the hot surface again. It is instantaneous, and does not take any effort on our part. Our feelings drive the habits we create. So, In order to make a change we need to associate massive pain with not making that change by collecting evidences supporting that. The pain does not need to be physical, most of the pain we feel is imaginary. For example the pain of rejection is as real as the pain from a hot surface.
Anyway, I applaud all of you for the important changes you have made in your life and the desire to get better and learn from each others.

]]> By: Tony http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-75 Tony Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:14:58 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-75 @Christie - You're right, and that is really what I mean. I personally have managed a pretty drastic transformation from my high school self that pretty much anyone that knew me would be able to see plainly, so I know it takes much time and effort. What did it though, was the change in values and attitude, and the constant reaffirming of those perspectives on a daily basis when I would "relapse." Thanks for the support and feedback. I do think programming is an inherently creative pursuit though :). Just more about getting shit done than expressing yourself artistically (although, there is still that element). So, what goals are you eagerly working to achieve? I read your post about "Born on a Blue Day." I also dig your insightful style. Seems like we both had similar social struggles growing up. I can definitely relate to studying people's interactions as if they're a lab rat to figure out the secret to social success, and by God I think I've found it! Haha. I'm sure I'll be blogging about it more. It's good to hear from you. I hope your eagerness is well-directed, and you achieve great things! @Christie – You’re right, and that is really what I mean. I personally have managed a pretty drastic transformation from my high school self that pretty much anyone that knew me would be able to see plainly, so I know it takes much time and effort. What did it though, was the change in values and attitude, and the constant reaffirming of those perspectives on a daily basis when I would “relapse.”

Thanks for the support and feedback. I do think programming is an inherently creative pursuit though :) . Just more about getting shit done than expressing yourself artistically (although, there is still that element).

So, what goals are you eagerly working to achieve? I read your post about “Born on a Blue Day.” I also dig your insightful style. Seems like we both had similar social struggles growing up. I can definitely relate to studying people’s interactions as if they’re a lab rat to figure out the secret to social success, and by God I think I’ve found it! Haha. I’m sure I’ll be blogging about it more.

It’s good to hear from you. I hope your eagerness is well-directed, and you achieve great things!

]]> By: Christie http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-72 Christie Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:14:47 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-72 Great post! I like your writing style for sure. I love that you related philosophy to programing. I feel like too many people don't bother to think creatively about things that aren't inherently creative. I would say that I am more of an eager agent than a lazy agent. I tried being a lazy agent for awhile, but I'm just too ambitious and ADD to be happy that way. Sometimes I'm a bit jealous of people like your street musician friend. I wish that were enough for me. I don't know if I agree with you on the change thing. Change does take a long time, but the decision to change and the turning point can be quick. With your tardiness example... once you make the decision to start being on time it will be a long time before it comes easily and naturally to you. Until that happens, you will likely slip up and be late every once and awhile. So in your head the change was quick, but in practice and reality it took awhile. This is probably less true with smaller things like tardiness, but more true with things like "I'm not going to let fear stop me anymore" (my current goal) or "I'm going to get better grades". There's a turning point that only took a few seconds, but it takes awhile to prove to yourself (and the rest of the world) that the change is real. Great post! I like your writing style for sure.
I love that you related philosophy to programing. I feel like too many people don’t bother to think creatively about things that aren’t inherently creative.
I would say that I am more of an eager agent than a lazy agent. I tried being a lazy agent for awhile, but I’m just too ambitious and ADD to be happy that way. Sometimes I’m a bit jealous of people like your street musician friend. I wish that were enough for me.
I don’t know if I agree with you on the change thing. Change does take a long time, but the decision to change and the turning point can be quick. With your tardiness example… once you make the decision to start being on time it will be a long time before it comes easily and naturally to you. Until that happens, you will likely slip up and be late every once and awhile. So in your head the change was quick, but in practice and reality it took awhile. This is probably less true with smaller things like tardiness, but more true with things like “I’m not going to let fear stop me anymore” (my current goal) or “I’m going to get better grades”. There’s a turning point that only took a few seconds, but it takes awhile to prove to yourself (and the rest of the world) that the change is real.

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-70 Yu-kai Chou Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:11:22 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-70 Haha, I always tell my female friends who hopes that their boyfriends will change later on, "A guy will only change for three reasons. One, he suddenly picked up huge responsibility. Two, he experienced some kind of great loss that shatters his reality. Three, he is pursuing a girl, in which at this stage is too late because you are already with him." Motivation is a hard thing. It takes good attitude to change your attitude, and its a chicken and egg thing. And hey Jun! People DO read my blog and even forward it on Twitter :P I just always have too much to say :( Haha, I always tell my female friends who hopes that their boyfriends will change later on, “A guy will only change for three reasons. One, he suddenly picked up huge responsibility. Two, he experienced some kind of great loss that shatters his reality. Three, he is pursuing a girl, in which at this stage is too late because you are already with him.” Motivation is a hard thing. It takes good attitude to change your attitude, and its a chicken and egg thing.

And hey Jun! People DO read my blog and even forward it on Twitter :P
I just always have too much to say :(

]]> By: Tony http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-69 Tony Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:13:33 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-69 @Jun - You're right, permanent change is difficult to achieve, and takes a lot of will power. I would argue though, that the reason your hypothetical person stopped working out after a few months is because they have reverted back to their old value system. That's why I think metaphors for life like your game on easy vs. hard are crucial to maintaining your resolve through tough times. I'm so excited to network my ass off at the Web 2.0 conference! @Jun – You’re right, permanent change is difficult to achieve, and takes a lot of will power. I would argue though, that the reason your hypothetical person stopped working out after a few months is because they have reverted back to their old value system. That’s why I think metaphors for life like your game on easy vs. hard are crucial to maintaining your resolve through tough times.

I’m so excited to network my ass off at the Web 2.0 conference!

]]> By: Jun Loayza http://tonythinks.com/eager-vs-lazy-lifestyle/comment-page-1/#comment-65 Jun Loayza Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:00:04 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=49#comment-65 I like how you tie your last three posts together. To be honest, write as much as you want because I believe everyone should express themselves however they want. If you do want to maximize readership, try to keep your posts around 600 words. I know Yu-kai usually goes way over this; that's why no one reads it :P Even though you make a good argument, a change of mindset or mentality is extremely difficult for most people. It is easy to say something, but it is difficult to actually do it. For example, the person who wants to lose weight can easily say, "My new years resolution is to go to the gym on a regular basis." He'll start off strong, but after a month he'll miss a week, then two weeks, and then just gives up. It IS a mental game, but one that few people are equipped to handle by themselves. That's why people turn to counseling or psychologists. You and Yu-kai are able to make instant changes in mindset because that's your personality. You guys are just capable of doing it. Not everyone is able to do just things. Great post - Jun I like how you tie your last three posts together.

To be honest, write as much as you want because I believe everyone should express themselves however they want. If you do want to maximize readership, try to keep your posts around 600 words. I know Yu-kai usually goes way over this; that’s why no one reads it :P

Even though you make a good argument, a change of mindset or mentality is extremely difficult for most people. It is easy to say something, but it is difficult to actually do it. For example, the person who wants to lose weight can easily say, “My new years resolution is to go to the gym on a regular basis.” He’ll start off strong, but after a month he’ll miss a week, then two weeks, and then just gives up.

It IS a mental game, but one that few people are equipped to handle by themselves. That’s why people turn to counseling or psychologists.

You and Yu-kai are able to make instant changes in mindset because that’s your personality. You guys are just capable of doing it. Not everyone is able to do just things.

Great post

- Jun

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