More thoughts on FEAR, GOALS AND GRATITUDE
“Finishing a Marathon isn’t just an athletic achievement; it’s a state of mind that says anything is possible”
Well and truly recovered from the London Marathon! For anyone thinking about doing it, I cannot over emphasize how amazing the whole experience was- being one in almost 36,000 (other idiots- lol!) running this superb course in one of the best cities in the World, the amazing and supportive British crowd, the weather (yes, actually stupendous), the funds raised for a great charity and the support of family and friends globally – one of the best days EVER and highly recommend it! From this experience however, I can certainly say that the KEY to a successful Marathon is to make it to the START line! That is- preparation in every possible way including the long runs, strength training , cross training, optimal nutrition and appropriate supplements and last but not least the “mind” work.
Anyway! Half way through the year is a good time to reflect and make any course corrections so that the rest of the year can end with great satisfaction. It is easy to get side –tracked after making New Year’s Resolutions if we don’t assess our progress along the way. Time flies and before we know it, it’s time for mince pies again!
So nothing too formal today, but just TEN tips around goal setting and making the rest of the year count…
1. Know WHAT you want, WHY you want it and then make an ACTION PLAN to help you get there. A 6 month or 12 month goal is realistic and easy to visualise. Use the SMART framework for goal setting (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-based). You could do this for one area of your life (e.g Health) and this will have a domino effect on every other aspect of your life. Assess weekly and monthly to make sure your on track- this is imperative and is a significant reason as to why people don’t achieve their goals.
2. Set MASTERY goals not EGO goals. That is, work on improving yourself and becoming better in your chosen area. This really gives a sense of intrinsic motivation that will always keep you going – as opposed to just setting ego driven goals for the sake of people going “wow”.
3. Step outside your COMFORT ZONE. Set harder goals that make you a little fearful and overwhelmed. Your greatest growth lies in transgressing your fears. Do not limit your challenges- challenge your limits! Make a choice, take a chance- or your life will never change.
4. Check your ROUTINE. Our daily routines determine our performance and ultimately the quality of our lives. One day = mini-life. Make sure its inspiring and not wasted.
5. “If you have the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, you have no right to keep it yourself” – Jacques Cousteau. There are no spare parts in the Universe- the World needs you to shine!
6. PERSISTENCE PRINCIPLE. Don’t give up when you meet obstacles or criticism. See them as stepping stones to success. It is a process- be patient. The root of the word, passion is “to suffer”. Keep focused on your passion and what you believe in. As Gandhi said, “First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you and then you win”. On that note, may I please have a teeny weeny moan about the ignorance /arrogance in the conventional medical field when it comes to their lack of understanding and appreciation of “functional/ integrative/ natural/herbal/nutritional/alternative/ayurvedic/chinese/environmental medicine”?! It can lead to needless suffering and hopelessness for many people- it doesn’t have to be this way. (Please do not be afraid of educating your Doctor about functional medicine).
7. BE YOURSELF. You are an original. Authentic. There is no –one quite like you. So no need to compare to anyone at all. As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”.
8. Get FIT! No, that doesn’t necessarily mean mountains and marathons. It means being the healthiest you can be so you can function at your best- and be the best for everyone around you- at home and at work. As Gandhi said, “Your health is your wealth”.
9. SILENCE. Spend a few moments daily in Silence. It is like food for the mind. “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom”.
10. GRATITUDE. Don’t take anything for granted. We came with nothing and we will leave with nothing. Keep that in perspective. Consider starting or ending the day with a mental or written note of 3 things you are grateful for, each and every day. “Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.”