Mastering the Mind, Conquering Cheap Dopamine and some self-discipline tips

Lately, I have been pondering about mental mastery, specifically on avoiding distractions and cheap dopamine. When I get into a serious pondering mood, I dive deep into the rabbit hole. I usually look at multiple approaches and try to tailor it to suit my needs.

Firstly, There is the David Goggins’s way - where you develop an alter ego of a drill sergeant and crush the side of your mind that makes excuses. Then, there is the James Clear way of doing this, which is to develop a habit over a period of time scientifically. This is done by sticking to one behavior change for a period of 60 days or so. There may be other methods which are made famous by other people. Goggins' way is truthful, but takes the route of harsh words and calling out “bullshit”. James Clear’s method has an easier time sticking to the new routine but the method takes time to make it a habit. What if I want something that works fast and is not harsh on your inner self? This is where I thought of fusing the wisdom of David Goggins, Buddhism, and Vedanta - true to the nature of the philosophy I follow and the self-discipline I need.

The idea is to develop an alter-ego that talks back to the dopamine-seeking, comfort-seeking mind but at the same time it is not a drill sergeant, but more of a monk-like character. The hope is that this “Inner Vedanta-Buddha-Goggins”(for lack of a better name) would help me conquer the cheap dopamine that’s holding me back!

• Buddhism will help in maintaining moderation, temper the desire because “desire is suffering”.
• Vedanta would help in re-framing suffering, temptation, and instant gratification as fleeting feelings.

All using Goggins' method of talking back to the weak voice inside.

Message from the inner Vedanta-Buddha-Goggins

The Self is Unstoppable

Remember, your true nature is beyond limitation. The body will fail, and the mind will try to break, but you are the awareness behind both. When the mind screams, “I can’t,” the true self whispers, “Observe.” You’ve suffered before, and yet you’re still here. You’re indestructible. A weak mind is like a stormy ocean. A trained mind is like the sky—unmoved by the waves.

The Mind is a Trickster

Let’s reveal the truth about the mind. It’s a trickster, always seeking pleasure and ease. But here’s the truth: pleasure isn’t freedom, it’s a leash. Your real self is beyond the mind’s cravings. So, observe those urges, but don’t become their slave. Remember, cheap dopamine is just an illusion (Maya). Let it fade away in the wave of discipline.

Train the Body

Your flesh may be weak, but your awareness is boundless. So, which one will you obey? Comfort is the death of the true self, so accept the struggle as what it is - the struggle itself is an illusion. Treat tiredness, laziness, and cravings as just visitors. Don’t let them move in. You’ve taken billions of breaths in this life. What’s one more deep breath before taking action?

Pain is the Path

Pain isn’t suffering — resisting the pain is suffering. There are two kinds of pain: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Choose wisely. Every moment of discipline is a hammer forging your unbreakable self. Welcome it.

Cheap Dopamine is an Illusion

Cheap dopamine is an illusion, plain and simple. You chase small pleasures because you fear greatness. Instant gratification tricks you into thinking five seconds of pleasure will make you happy, but in reality, it will only make you weaker. True bliss isn’t found in indulgence but in the mastery of self.

Chase the mastery of The Self

Finally, it’s time to transcend the ordinary. Ordinary people chase comfort. Visionaries chase mastery. Which one are you? The enlightened isn’t the one who avoids struggle, but the one who conquers himself.

In conclusion

This isn’t a one-time fix, it is a continuous and never-ending process. It is a journey towards self-mastery, fueled by ancient wisdom and modern grit.

If you have come this far, I ask of you - go ahead, embrace the uncomfortable, challenge your limits, and converse with your own “inner alter-ego”- whatever that might be. The path to true freedom lies within the battlefield of your mind.