Self-Introspection and Reflections
First, to my one homie that deleted IG, if you’re reading this, hit me up. I tried reaching out but I had the wrong number so message me on IG, text me, or send me your info (with your old IG username so I know it’s you) in the “Submit a Story” tab.
This month’s article is heavily inspired by my friend. Anytime I was struggling to hit the gym or run because I was lacking motivation he was always there to call me a pussy. And for that I am thankful, sometimes that’s all you need.
In the past few years I have tried to be much more self aware and really grow as a person, especially pertaining to my mindset. I really try to have more empathy, and understand people and their situations more. I can start to grasp the type of pain people feel when they lose someone close to them. I understand how young 30 is and how much life is wasted when someone is senselessly killed. Yet I still struggle with this. It is hard for me to see someone that has been a drug addict for 10 years as something other than a drug addict, even when that person is someone very close to me. I still get angry with people when I know I shouldn’t.
Don’t hold on to petty things, forgive. Forgive what can be forgiven, not everything can or deserves to be forgiven. But when it can be, forgiveness is the key to happiness, don’t hold onto hate and bitterness, but do not forget what people have done, or who they are at their core. As the old adage by Anthony Weldon (1651) goes “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”. Along with that, recognize the people who have been good to you, and helped you get where you are now, for it is seldom a solo journey. I know I wouldn’t be a fraction of the man I am today if it weren’t for my dad. He is the reason I have thrived as well as I have and am on the path I am on today.
We cannot dwell on the past. I often find myself wondering if certain things that have happened in my life prevent me from achieving my fullest potential and accomplishing my goals, and the answer is no. I can only be stopped by the things that have happened to me if I let them. We are free to break habits and change our perspective, we can only be held back by ourselves.
Our biggest strength is also our enemy. The human mind is what allows some people to do extraordinary things, but it also keeps a majority of people average. That little voice in your head that convinces you to skip a day at the gym or a day of running is what is holding you back. Even worse, the “I’ll do it tomorrow” mindset. I’ve found that what helps me the most, especially when it comes to running, is planning my run before I do it. If I plan for 5 miles I have to do 5 miles. If I don’t plan prior to my run, it is easy for me to talk myself into a shorter distance or slower speed. Find how you can apply a similar strategy and get to it, with whatever your goal is.
Immersion
To become the best you can be, you must fully immerse yourself in all aspects. You need to find the goal you want to achieve and make it your everything. I’ve personally found the hardest part about that, is potentially changing the people you hang out with. If you’re surrounded by people that have no motivations, and don’t want to do anything except play video games and go out to the bars, it’ll be hard to keep yourself on track and not follow suit. I struggle with this too. For example, I can really only talk to one of my best friends on discord so we play games while we bullshit, and that probably takes way more of my time than it should. But I try to remain balanced with work, the gym, spending time with my wife, and school. Even though I don’t go out to the bars, I still try to hang out with my friends and do group rides with my friends. Surround yourself with great people, and be great to them.
False Idols
Be wary of who you look up to on social media. Remember, everyone is human, we all have our flaws. There have been countless instances of people preaching one thing and then doing the other. I have plenty of examples, but I won’t be calling anyone out here. Instead, look to your faith and hold yourself to the standard that when you die, and get to look back on your life, you have no regrets.
Thank you all for reading this month’s article, if you have anything you’d like to say or contribute please use the “Submit a Story” tab. I read everything that comes through there. I appreciate you all.
- Minuteman Readiness
