In last week’s email, I wrote about improving 1% somewhere in your life and being consistent for years. Make a plan. Do it. Repeat. Like a r-o-b-o-t. But we aren't robots.
You might ask, “But how, when my weeks aren’t even consistent?”
Today’s topic is about what happens when things don’t go according to plan. Something will always detract from your plan. Whether it’s a last-minute meeting, your toddler’s mood that morning, or an old friend in town, it can feel like the world is constantly trying to throw us off the rails.
Being adaptable and still being goal focused is something we will always have to deal with. Rather than looking at the path to your goal as linear or “on rails,” think of it as non-linear. Basketball players don’t drive then just stop and give up when defense gets in the way. They circle around, spin move, dribble between the legs, reassess, drive again. Nope. Back it out. Try again.
You might lose the play, you might score a small victory, but the game ain’t over. As we write out our goals for one year out, three years out, or five years out, don’t get stuck thinking that all progress is linear. If I want to increase my income to $100,000 or $10 million, our pre-programming would suggest we should request a percentage raise each year until I reach my goal. By these false presuppositions (asking for a raise, staying at the same company, etc), I might realize that I will never reach my goal. Then I tell myself it will never happen. Boom. And that’s the death of a dream... all based off a lie.
And you never even started!
Wait, I need to wait for permission to chase my dream?? Fuck. That. Spin move!
Your goal is the basket and you are fucking Kobe. How can I move things around to make that small score today? This minute? So you didn’t make it to the gym today, had a donut because your coworker was being nice (it was their turn anyway), or that job/side hustle didn’t come through. How do I score today? Maybe it’s 10 pushups. Wash one dish. Invest that dollar.
Forgive yourself and be grateful that you get another try. And try you will.
Fuck yeah, it’s Friday!
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