I’d like to introduce myself. I’m a loser too! I lose everyday. I lose my attention, patience, time, opportunities, money, etc. I have lost big and suffered the consequences. I have let my losses paralyze me from time to time. I know what it’s like to be rejected. I know what it’s like to go home empty handed. I know what it’s like to hate yourself. I have climbed out of those low points though. I haven’t given up, and I want to share with you some powerful tools and ways of thinking to help you get through your losing streak…
I recently read a story about British cycling history. Over a 100 year span, the Brits had been the laughing stock of the cycling world; taking home only a few Olympic medals and constant failed attempts at the Tour de France. It wasn’t until a new coach, Sir Dave Brailsford, implemented a new training program by means of “aggregation of marginal gains.” In a nutshell, by making small improvements over long periods of time, you make lasting changes that grow into winning! This method has resulted in the Brits winning Tour de France six times, and taking home more Olympic gold medals than any other country for cycling! I love this idea!
Be 1% better…
My sister played softball in college and would always say this. It’s encouraging. We live in a fast paced world, and can fall prey to the idea that if we can’t get what we want, we can easily drive around the corner and get it somewhere else and be instantly gratified. As a result of our culture, we want everything NOW! If you can’t get those things, is there an excuse or someone to blame, or is it somehow a reflection on your character or worth as a person? Do you write yourself off of ever getting what you want because it’s out of your reach or capabilities? Don’t believe it! That’s not true! Real change is a process, and you have all the power! It takes time, patience, and diligence. Do not be discouraged when you put in your time and energy to find that the road to change is not a short one. You don’t have to let that defeat you; let it fuel you! You can set reasonable goals towards improvement. The process will develop your confidence and provide the momentum required to get you on the path to reaching your goal. You don’t have to demand anything unkind or unreasonable of yourself. Just improvement. A meager 1% is enough. It means you’re still in the game, and putting in the effort every day. It also means that if you fall short, it isn’t the end of the world. You can easily start again without beating yourself up.
Regardless of your intentions, you will become what your surround yourself with…
A quote from my great grandmother hits home. As you consider your goals and aspirations, can you look back and see how your friends, habits, and consumerism have influenced you as a person? Is there something in your life that is helping you, or distracting you? Are you choosing to use your time to consume or create? Everyone gets tripped up throughout the week. Can you take ownership of what’s holding you back? Perhaps what you are surrounding yourself with can be lessened, redirected, or eliminated? Maybe just 1% less?
Fall in love with the work…
As you continue to move forward with your life, it is my great hope that you can find joy along the way. The pains, struggles and setbacks will give you the contrast and vibrancy in your life because you fully understand the price you paid to get there. It makes the joy so much sweeter. I encourage you to broaden your vision while you’re in the thick of your life. Recognize where you where, and where you are, and where you are going. Realign and lace your day to day with gratitude. As you do, it is my hope and my experience that you will find more clarity and drive to do the work. Your mindset is everything. You don’t need to hate the struggle because its rewards aren’t fully present or realized yet. You don’t need to hate that you have a roadblock either. You can zoom out and re-strategize if necessary. Or maybe you just keep on keeping on. Stay humble as you blaze your trail. Humility comes with having gratitude each day. How are you lucky to be where you are right now?
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