I guess I’m kinda stoked to hit 180 days today (although my counter says 179 days, I’m in NZ – we live in the future!) A lot has happened over the last 6 months. My wife and I split up almost a year ago, and that was part of the motivation to finally quit PMO for good after many unsuccessful attempts.
Unfortunately we couldn’t work it out despite both of us wanting to. That’s a story for another day. On the plus side, there has been so much good that has come of quitting PMO. I’m so much more sharp and motivated. I have energy for days. I’ve learned how to talk to women again. I’m in the best shape of my life, physically. I have so much more time on my hands. I’ve started reading again. I got rid of my TV. I almost got my purple belt in BJJ. The list goes on…
There are many things that have helped. Here are a few of the key things that I would highly recommend:
1. Cold showers. I know. They suck. But they get easier, and they really do help. And yes, that says 155 days of cold showers. That’s 155 days of 100% cold motherfucking showers without a single hot one. Unfortunately winter is coming. You do get used to them. Some days are worse than others depending on the temperature of the water and how I’m feeling. Always better after the gym or BJJ, plus it helps with recovery. It’s never pleasant, but now it’s really only a couple seconds then it’s fine.
2. Get healthy. You may already run or go to the gym or exercise. That’s great, but I can’t stress enough the importance of eating well. Sort out your diet. It will be the single most important thing you can do to set you on the right track. Happy to share my diet if anyone wants to know more.
3. Go to bed early. This will be different for everybody, but make sure you go to bed early enough that you get 8-9 hours per night. You may think you don’t have time, but my guess is that you probably do if you cut out some other shit. Which brings me to…
4. Switch off the TV/Xbox/PS. You don’t have to get rid of it like I did, but seriously ask yourself what it’s contributing to your life. Start reading instead. If you want superpowers, nothing will make you mentally sharp like reading every day. TV and games dull the mind.
5. Tell someone that you quit. There will be someone who will understand and support and encourage you.
6. Use the tools available to you. The emergency button was invaluable for me in the first 30 days. The app I use to track my progress (called Since) helps me hugely when I think about having to reset it. There are many others. Use them.
I think that’s it. I could go on all day, but those are the big ones I think. Thank you fapstronauts for helping me get this far and for being willing to share your highs and lows with us. I couldn’t have done it without you. Now for the 1-year mark!
By rowansims
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