Running a Marathon
Life is about running a marathon not a sprint.
We look at other people sometimes and think it’s easy for them. Sometimes that is true but the majority of the time, people have to work hard to be where they are. Today is the finals of the women’s tennis at Wimbelon. When Halep accepted the trophy, she talked about the work involved to reach the final and all those involved in her life to help her along the way, a whole team!
We all have that voice in our head telling us we’re no good at X or not great at Y. But have we really tried? Have we really worked at it?
The people who are the most impressive in this world are not talented but those who have overcome obstacles, those who despite all the challenges they faced were able to ride the wave and meet the challenge. In the same way, we build muscle when we exercise, we also build muscle - mental muscle - when we decide to yes to the challenge.
The challenges in day-to-day are not big but as Admiral McRaven said in a speech he gave to college students: “If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.”
It’s summer now and it’s easier than during the school year. At the same time, it’s a great moment to build mental muscle.
If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.
Yep! As boring as that. But people who are great in the big things in life do the small things really well. It’s the constancy in the hidden things that then give you the strength to say “Yes” to the big things.
This summer, think of small things that you can improve on: tiny things! And over time, you’ll notice the difference in how you rise gracefully to the bigger things. And when you are able to face the challenge, then life becomes far more interesting!