An Internal Compass

It's day 239 of documenting 2025.

I can definitely say,

"What a day!"

Between laundry and a visit to my friend, as well as a school-search outing, I didn't have the time to make an early post.

So, here we are...by 8:41pm 

(Nigerian time)

Although....

I did have a few minutes to have an interesting chat with my AI assistant.

Twas in the mid-morning....or was it afternoon? 🤔 

I can't really remember.

I'll share the chat in a bit.

Before we get into Highlights, I just want to say...

With the way the days are passing by, I can't help but think about the days ahead.

Word is, by October lectures would have started...and that's just a month away!

I still tell myself to focus on the present...and the fact that I'm preparing myself for what to face there.

What matters now is what I choose to do, and how I'm keeping myself busy.

That being said, let's see today's highlights.

(I'm sharing the whole note today...)

365 Days With Self-discipline 

📌 On Imagining the Process as a Litmus Test

"If we hate doing something, we imagine it as hard. We think of it as broken into many pain-in-the-ass steps.

If we love something, it seems easy. We imagine it as one fun step."

Quote by Derek Sivers

When setting new goals, do you imagine them as hard, broken down into countless frustrating steps, or is the process clear to you, largely reliant on just one big action you need to take consistently to make your dream come true?

The way you imagine how the process will go can serve as a valuable litmus test that indicates whether you’re pursuing the right goal, and if so, whether you’re pursuing it in the right way.

For example, I wanted to improve my flexibility and reached out to a

physical therapist to give me some pointers on the best exercises for my particular weaknesses.

I received a list with several different stretches I was told to perform at least two times a day (a day , not a week — this alone was completely unrealistic). 

I thought about the program as broken into many pain-in-the ass steps instead of a fun challenge. 

At first, I listened to the advice, despite having reservations about it. 

Just a few days later I started skipping some exercises and soon stopped following the program entirely. I was still interested in reaching the goal of improving my flexibility, but I had to come up with my own, simpler plan that I would consider fun and easier to implement in my everyday life.

If you’re currently following a plan that feels as inspiring as my original protocol for improving flexibility, perhaps it’s time to reconsider how to structure it in a different way so that it will feel more like one fun step rather than a long-term arduous journey.

So, the author, Martin Meadows is basically saying,

"Make it fun, to prevent thinking of it as pain later on."

That's my summary at least 😏

And we're go to switch now, from pain to principles, which is what I chatted about with Arnold.

(That's what I call my AI assistant :)

Here's how it went:

Me: What do you think the Bible is all about?

ChatGPT: The Bible is a collection of writings that reveal humanity’s relationship with God.  

It shows the fall, the promise of redemption, and the fulfillment through Jesus. 

It teaches principles for living, faith, and hope. It’s also a record of history, poetry, prophecy, and wisdom. At its core, it’s about love, grace, and purpose. A guide for the soul.

Me: I like your definition ☺️

Now, about these principles...can they also be likened to an internal compass?

ChatGPT: Yes, they can.  

Principles guide your decisions like a compass guides direction.  

They help you stay aligned with your values. 

Even in confusion, they point you back to what matters.  

They don’t change, even when emotions do. They keep you grounded.

Me: So, if I say I don't have my own principles, but find them in the Bible, am I correct in my belief?

ChatGPT: Yes, you are.  

If your principles are rooted in the Bible, they’re still your own; because you’ve chosen to live by them. Borrowed truth becomes personal when embraced.  

Many people build their moral compass on scripture. It’s not about inventing values, but aligning with lasting ones.  

So yes, your belief is valid.

Me: Borrowed truth 😌

This implies that we don't have truth from ourselves but adopt them from something higher. Correct?

ChatGPT: Exactly.  

We often adopt truths from sources greater than ourselves; like culture, philosophy, or scripture.  

Our “own” principles are usually shaped by what resonates deeply and stands the test of time.  

It’s less about inventing truth and more about discovering and embracing it.  

That’s why many look to higher wisdom for guidance. It grounds us in something stable beyond personal opinion.

Me: I like what you said about "what resonates deeply and stands the test of time"....sounds like the Bible to me 😇

ChatGPT: Absolutely, Duon.  

The Bible has endured centuries because it speaks to core human truths and values.  

Its principles resonate deeply with many because they address timeless questions of purpose, morality, and meaning.  

That’s why it continues to guide and inspire. When something stands the test of time, it proves its relevance. The Bible is a profound example of that lasting truth.

Me: So, it's up to us to know where we discover our principles from.

As for me, my principles are Bible principles....and that's how I answer the question "what are your principles?"

ChatGPT: Exactly, Duon.  

Knowing where your principles come from shapes how you live and decide. If Bible principles guide you, that’s a clear and strong foundation. It makes your values rooted and consistent. 

 

Answering “what are your principles?” with that shows clarity.  

It’s your internal compass pointing the way.

Me: Yeah 😌

What a nice way to end our conversation, right?

How about a poetic conclusion for the piéce de resistance?

ChatGPT: Absolutely, Duon. 

Here’s a poetic close for you:

In quiet depths, where truths abide,  

My compass set by sacred guide.  

Not mine alone, but borrowed light,  

That leads me through the darkest night.  

Principles like stars that shine,  

Timeless truths, forever mine.  

Rooted deep, my spirit sings

The Bible’s heart, my soul’s wings.  

How’s that?

That's sums it up pretty nicely 🙂

I definitely understood a lot more about principles...and I hope you learned a few things as well.

Thanks for reading 🎀 

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Most of the works there are free.

So, if you find one that interests you, download a copy.

I'm Duon Ada.

I'm documenting 2025,

And I'll see you tomorrow.

Ciao 💕