Weekly Platitudes - 2

Seek don’t convince - Find people with different backgrounds who want to go in the same direction as you and surround yourself with them. People trying to reach the same spot from diverse starting point will teach you other ways to reach your shared goal while learning the same from you. Everybody wins, everybody learns. It’s much easier to show people of a method of achievement for a common goal while you yourself are progressing towards that goal instead of convincing them which goal to go after. Conversely, others will seek validation in their own path by trying to convince you to walk along it with them. This is usually unintentional and not malicious, however sometimes they will intentionally hold you back because your success or potential success shines a light on their insecurities. It’s way easier to find people in the first camp then work with the people you already know in the second.

Starting the right thing for the wrong reason is fine as long as you find the right reason along the way - I was a chubby kid. I started working out when I got to college because I was insecure and wanted attention from women that I thought were attractive. I fell in love with fitness and nutrition, and began playing sports more competitively. Health became a natural part of my lifestyle, and now I feel and move much better than I ever have before. I no longer work out to get attention from women, but admittedly it’s nice. I work out because of the way it makes me feel in my own body and because it’s a difficult, physical challenge that leaves me feeling accomplished.

Potential is unchanged by opinion - Think of your highest possible ceiling in any area of your life. What is the best you could be as a partner, as an employee, as a athlete, as a _____. Then think of how your potential would change if you didn’t believe in yourself, or if someone else didn’t believe in you. You may get closer or farther away from your maximum achievement because of your actions but the most you can accomplish remains unchanged. Interpreting adversity as a change in potential is incorrect, adversity only adds to the journey and will make reaching your potential that much more satisfying.

Go outside for at least 30 minutes a day - Just do it and thank me later.