Technique for staying motivated. What do you think?

[someguy]

I was reading a post on the website Reddit and came across an interesting discussion.

It was about using a technique created by Jerry Seinfeld to help you keep your motivation to mediate every day.

I'll give a brief description of the technique, but you can read about it in full here: http://lifehacker.com/#!281626/jerry-seinfelds-productivity-secret (I do recommend reading the whole article; it's a pretty interesting article and short.)

Basically the trick is to have an annual calendar on your wall and each day you meditate, you put a red 'X' on the date. Your job is "don't break the chain" on the calendar.  It helps to put the calendar somewhere visible so that you can't help but see it every day. Soon, you'll come to like seeing the chain and you won't want to break it.

A discussion followed about the merits of such a strategy. I'd be curious what others thought of this technique. Is it too ego driven? Are you trying to guilt yourself into meditating by not wanting to break the chain? Or are you identifying with the chain too much?! Or is it a great technique (assuming it works) to help you stay with your meditation?

[Andrew]

Hi someguy, cool name!

have we met before? I'm not sure.

Anyway, my opinion is that anything that gets you into the habit is good. I used addictive quality of this forum to do it! But at a certain point, the scaffold needs to be taken away and the structure stand on it's own. Are you struggling to stick with it? Perhaps, cut back the time to just 5 mins morning and night. Get comfortable on the couch or bed, don't worry about anything apart from getting the habit formed. Once formed, go from there. Or are you just providing advice for beginners? In that case, I think it is good advice! I may actually use this technique for music.

love

andy

[someguy]

Hi andy,

I would definitely like to be more consistent. I tend to go in streaks where I'll meditate for a couple hours a day and then break for a while. But the philosophical aspects of the technique intrigued me. (Does it lead to clinging?)

I think I agree with you that at some point the need for such a technique will drop away. I have been thinking about giving it a shot though.

[Andrew]

Everything is clinging, so I wouldn't worry about that! If you really want something to push you along, start a thread called 'someguy's meditation journal' and vow to us all to fill it in daily!  then you can add compulsion to the clinging! I think Kidnovice made a very good point when he said that we use these things, though attachments, while they are useful to build awareness, then eventually all attachment is left behind. It is a beautiful picture of how to live.

I'm actually going to use this technique for getting songs written! Your post has come at just the right time! thanks.
I wouldn't worry at all about any clinging, what would it matter really? It is the least thing philosophically, but I do know what you mean. As long as the calender doesn't lead to an obsession with the Seinfield show, I think  we will be OK.

love

andy