FOUR FOR FRIDAY 5: Self
1. “The job isn't done until the job is done.”
In the movie "AIR," which "follows the history of sports marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball, Michael Jordan," there is a quote that has stuck with me: "Your job isn’t done until the job is done." This quote has since become one of Nike's values.
The movie depicted Damon sleeping at the office, making long, tiresome road trips, persevering, and not stopping until he achieved what he set out to do. The film was moving for this reason, among many others. I encourage you to reflect on this quote and idea today. Where are you stopping short, and how might this be holding you back from reaching your full potential? I’ve realized that doing the job all the way through requires focus and prioritization. Can you stay on the task at hand to see it all the way through before jumping to the next? Additionally, if you haven't seen the movie yet, I highly recommend it. It was awe-inspiring, to say the least.
2. “You will reap what you sow.”
I had a track coach tell me some time ago that I should stick to being a sprinter. He made this suggestion after taking a quick glance at my physical stature, frame, and build. Though he was just assessing my strengths, this comment stuck with me. I thought, yes, while I may be well-suited to be a decent sprinter, I've always enjoyed long-distance running. There's something about the journey, the alone time, and the spiritual component that fascinates me. Psychologically speaking, I've always found joy in pushing the arbitrary lines and boxes that society places us in as well.
Since that day, not only have I achieved noteworthy accomplishments in short-distance events, but I've also completed numerous long-distance events, including my first 100-mile ultramarathon this past October.
Comments like these stand out to me and motivate me. When someone mentions, "You probably shouldn't" or "Why don't you try something else," it uplifts me and makes me think, "Hmm, what am I really capable of?" Recently, I was listed in the wellness section of Denver Life Magazine, which served as a prompt for me to "keep going." I encourage you to do the same. Remember, "victory belongs to the most tenacious”.
3. “Nothing will change you, in itself, tools are just mere resources.”
This has been on my mind a lot over the past week: “Nothing will change you except for you.” Everything you invest in will not work for you by itself. It doesn't matter if you have the best running shoes, the best bike, the best life coach, the best bed, blender, or sharpest knives. Unless you use these instruments, they will not be of service to you.
Unless you put those running shoes on and dedicate some time in your day to running, you won’t become a better runner. Unless you seek resources from your coach or clinician, take notes on what was said, and actually move towards changing your behavior, you will see no differences. Unless you use that blender and buy the necessary ingredients, your health won't improve. Unless you get that bike out on the trails or roads it was designed for, it’ll all sit there and collect dust.
Nothing in itself can cure you; these tools can be valuable resources, but without proper use, you will be left feeling empty and disappointed. So, with that, I challenge you: are you buying these tools, investing in week-long retreats, and expecting them to be your solution? Or are you taking what is given, putting it to use, and implementing it? This is a crucial difference in my opinion.
4. “If I was to start living life exactly how I wanted, what would need to change right now?”
Lastly, a thought-provoking question hit me just the other day while driving: “If you were to start living life exactly as you wanted, what would need to change right here, right now, in this moment?" It may be something small. That soda sitting on your desk might need to go in the trash can. That t-shirt you haven't worn in seven years that you keep saying, “one day I’ll wear,” may need to go in a donation bag. These most likely will be small changes, but I am reminded of the 1 in 60 rule which states that “after 60 miles, a one-degree error in heading will result in straying off course by one mile”. Small changes can create huge changes over time.
So, what are you doing now, and is it in alignment with your ultimate goals? If not, what's one small change you’d make right here, right now, at this moment? I encourage you to invite curiosity instead of judgment into this exercise—two sides of the same coin.
