Why can’t I be like this in every area of my life?
That was the question I posed to Mel on our walk yesterday.
It was right before tennis and I said to her that I was excited for another opportunity to play and get better. That each time I play I find an area that can improve and then I look forward to improving it.
Then it hit me …
Why can’t I be like this in every area of my life?
So she responded … what areas of your life do you feel like you’re not that way?
I said … pretty much everything else outside of tennis lol.
I really struggle with patience and delaying gratification. I don’t shy away from hard work but I want to see the results of that hard work and I don’t like to wait for it.
I wish my body composition was changing quicker.
I wish my business was growing faster.
I wish I could notice more tangible improvements in my writing.
I wish my relationship with Mel’s kids would progress more rapidly.
I wish my podcast would take bigger leaps forward.
When it comes to tennis, I just show up and get excited about looking for ways to improve. Some nights I play incredibly well and other nights I don’t play as well.
On the nights I don’t play so well, I can’t wait to get back out there for another opportunity to improve.
Did you know that two contradictory things can coexist?
This isn’t going to be some message about how you should approach your fitness and nutrition the same way I approach tennis.
It’s actually a message about how two things can coexist, even if they seem contradictory.
I learned this from my therapist and it rocked my whole world lol.
I can be impatient and patient.
In fact, I think that I am.
Here are some other truths that coexist, rather strangely …
I think I have an immense amount of value to give to people who want to better themselves and be healthy, fit, and confident.
And yet, I sometimes question why anyone would want to read what I write or listen to what I say.
I think our coaching program is the absolute best in the world and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built.
And yet, I sometimes feel like I’m such a train wreck with my own nutrition.
I think that I’m an introvert and struggle to meet new people or make new friends.
And yet, I sometimes feel like people gravitate towards me for some reason and find me easy to connect with.
I can be funny and serious. Mindful and mindless. Harsh and kind.
You’re probably thinking …
What the hell does this two truths concept have to do with me?
Valid question.
Well, I think it can be one of the most eye opening considerations.
Because following the two truths mindset allows you to remain open to multiple perspectives and detach from holding on to one thought as the only fact.
It’s possible that you’re making significant mental progress, while also struggling with your relationship with tracking macros.
It’s possible that you’re getting out of the dieter’s mindset, while also wanting to diet.
It’s possible that you’re improving physically, while still feeling fat.
It’s possible that you know what to do, while still needing help, guidance, and support.
It’s possible that right now is the best time for you to make a change, while still feeling like it’s not the right time.
Two truths can coexist, even when they seem contradictory.
Rather than trying to hold on to what’s “right,” you can just accept that both things can be true.
And then determine what actions would support you the most given the situation.
My “tennis mindset” may not be overtly present in other areas of my life. But in some ways, it is.
So, I’m going to actively choose to approach my business, my fitness, my relationships, my writing, my podcast, etc. with that same intention.
Today is just another opportunity to learn where I can get better.
Even if I feel impatient.
Maybe you can do the same.
It won’t be easy, but I think we got this.
