Farooq's Motivation

I will give credit where credit is due: Joey did form these resolutions, and I simply desired to follow. However, it was the (petty) competitor in me that decided to form this 'Discipline Off' and somehow turn an individuals drive for self-improvement into the epic battle that this is.

I admire Joey's piousness, and surely credit his faith in coming up with this idea in the first place. My contrasting non-piousness makes this Discipline Off that much more interesting. This is no longer simply a battle of wills between two schmoes, nay, it is a case study exhibiting the drives and disciplines of the religious vs not.

Joey is very confident that his religiosity will inevitably triumph against my earthliness. However, I intend to surprise Joey and demonstrate that will power and discipline need not only come from faith, but from within. Note, I am in no way trying to marginalize religion! If it can make Joey and others better themselves, I am all for it. I'm just claiming that this self-improvement set is not exclusive to the devoted followers of any faith.

Obviously, besides the fleeting satisfaction of 'beating' Joey, I'm doing this for the not-so-fleeting physical and emotional benefits.

I'm extremely confident that I'll be able to stick to eliminating the 6 vices Joey just listed. Thankfully, hitting on girls in gay clubs is not one of them.