The news, while usually already depressing, is quite morbid these days. I typically ignore the noise, but I cannot suppress the urge to consider the potential impact on one’s finances, fitness, and general well-being.
The recent, and presumably initial, impact on markets and other personal events in the past couple of weeks led me back to Balanced Dividends. I realized it has been 8 months since I last wrote a new post.
A lot has changed since then. I have grown significantly – both physically, emotionally, and financially.
Just remember – growth is not always about the size or a number. We should also focus on things we can control.
Between Then and Now
Around my last post, covering back to basics, it was my birthday. On that Wednesday morning at Orangetheory Fitness, we completed the 1-mile benchmark challenge on the treadmill.
Since then, it’s been an ongoing series of overall continuing high-points, with a few lower dips and one huge nose-dive along the way in the last couple of months.
Nonetheless, assumingly like the market, we continue on an upward, positive trajectory over time.
Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Someone recently asked me what used to make me, and what currently does make me, uncomfortable. It’s varied in the past and still does today to some extent. Among others, in no particular order:
- How I look
- How I feel
- What others think about me – in general, but especially family, friends, and other close individuals
- My work
Perhaps I shouldn’t care, but I do at times. This person then asked me about my “guitar gig” stories I post on Instagram. They said they honestly thought they weren’t that good, but they watch them still.
I laughed and asked why they keep watching, and they said: “because you’re slowly getting better by just trying; you’re also making yourself uncomfortable.”
They then joked that a story is only up for 24 hours, and why not do an unabridged post (including the mess-ups). I hesitated for a few days, but I ended up posting an unabridged video of me playing and singing.
It’s important to keep getting comfortable in getting uncomfortable. Here are a few ways to make progress.
1) Get Out of Your Head
Self-doubt, fear, anxiety – I feel all these things from time-to-time.
We are often our own worst enemy; instead, turn yourself into your number one fan – just don’t be a narcissistic-ass while doing it.
We’ll explore more about this soon.
For now, just be mindful of the negative thoughts we often create and place inside our heads.
2) Build and Leverage Your Support Network
The last 18 months have been challenging in more ways than one. More importantly, I’ve learned that you can’t do this alone.
Family and friends mean everything. Whether it’s your best friends or the random old dude who waves and says hello while you’re walking by, people help you along the way.
Looking back at the last year at my “old” prior age vs. my “new” old(er) age (since we all turn a whole year older in only a single day right?), I’ve learned a lot about myself. Balance is key.
I’ve discovered synergies between personal fitness/health, finance, and well-being that I’m only now beginning to appreciate fully. It’s powerful stuff.
Related: Late (Early) Edition: Thoughts at 2:00 am
When I thought the “best” version of me was in the past – especially fitness-wise, I was wrong. You can always work to redefine and, usually, outperform the “younger” version of you. You can see yourself:
- Running further AND faster.
- Lifting heavier AND less often.
- Resting AND growing faster.
I didn’t think I could 8 months ago. But I am now.
And it’s not just me. Seeing others around me do the same is amazing – especially at Orangetheory Fitness.
Consistency and behavior are key. Knowledge helps, too, but getting to work is what it’s all about.
It’s a long-term, ongoing process. Surround yourself with people who will help push you.
3) Accept that Vulnerability Leads to Honesty, Hurtfulness, and Greater Growth
Life holds many surprises. We run into some of them at full speed not knowing they are coming. Others are visible but not obvious. A few might go from a feeling of heaven to hell in a matter of minutes.
Whatever we might encounter, we need to move on. At the same time, we should take a moment to breathe and not just rationalize the issue away. The past does carry weight; we should consider it for the future but not let it be the only determinant in our decision-making process.
Sometimes, we do need to forget; other times, we need to forgive and take a second chance.
Remember – the worst can lead to the best, and if we can survive that, then we will be unbreakable.
Looking Back – and More Importantly – Ahead
Life is a transition event; we are always transitioning.
Along the way, if not eliminate, then reduce the clutter and bullshit in your life.
Here is to better days. Focus on what matters. Keep growing.
Readers, what are you doing in any additional time you might possess? What are the things you’re working on? How do you push yourself outside your comfort zone?
Related:
Why I Deactivated My (Personal) Facebook Account
Change: Improving Based on Feedback
15 Years Later: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner
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Another good article BDMIKE. It comes down to this: you can’t win if you don’t play, and I don’t mean the lottery. Life is not a spectator sport; you have to be in it to win it. As someone I am very close to once said “Better to be a has been than a never was.”. I thought it had a lot of wisdom when I heard it in high school, and it still rings true today. Live long and prosper.
It’s great to see you improve yourself body and mind. Keep up on your journey, we will be supporting you all the way.