"Sometimes you're the bug, sometimes you're the windshield"
This quote has been with me for so long but has just recently began to re-surface. Literally its meaning is so simple yet so deep. This phrase reminds me specifically of our perspective inside the gym, I'm talking about our performances day to day. Some days you will feel like you're on top of the world and others just a big bag of worthless shit. How do we respond to these days when we feel like crap? How do we respond to those MOMENTS when we fail? When things aren't going our way or when everything is just flat out not working to our liking? Are we throwing a fit? Frustrated? Mentally defeated? Yes, these may all be feelings that we experience but it doesn't mean we can let them show and let them affect us.
If I learned anything from playing professional baseball it was to have a short memory. This translates to everything in life. The most successful people in our time are consistent. That means they are performing more times than not and that also means at times, their performance is shit. Do you think those rare instances keep them down? Nope. They instantaneously forget and move on. How they respond to failure is the catalyst to their future successes. It is how you respond to those days that you are "the bug" that will affect your current mood, attitude, mindset and even future performances.
Remember that your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions and your actions become your habit. Don't let something as simple as a missed snatch attempt, a failed PR or a slower Fran time affect yourself as an athlete. There are times where your 1-rep max feels like 75% and at times 125%. Everyday will be different and it is all relative to the moment. There are way too many important things in life and I can guaran-damn-tee you snatches, clean and jerks and "WODS" aren't one of them. Know your priorities and whats important to YOU. Don't let a shitty performance define who you are. Not everday is going to be a personal best day. If and when those days come, stay positive, confident, and continue onward.
"Failure is the fertilizer that grows character. Strong character breeds success"
I agree with this for sure. Often times it is simply a matter of consistent motion in the gym, in business, in your personal life. Sometimes you are moving at 10 mph (hell some times you have a flat tire) and others at 55 mph, then the stars align and the decisions you make lead you to 100 mph. It is about being present in your life, growing and actually living. Well said Aja.
ReplyDeleteLove this! So well written and so true. Too many people get caught up in what they think is important and miss out on the true meanings of life :)
ReplyDeleteJust show up every day you can and keep trying. Compare today's numbers to next year's numbers and you will see results. Compare today's numbers to yesterday's numbers and you may just quit :)
ReplyDeleteOnce again your words speak to me! Thanks Aja!
ReplyDeleteI had one of these days today and felt horrible. I generally don't see much on fb that speaks to me so I was definitely meant to see this post. Cheers and thank you.
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