Another day and another Quote of the Day. I find it far too easy to see someone succeed at any given task and get caught up in that moment. I catch myself thinking of that achievement as a singular act because that singular moment is all I witness. I don’t see the countless early mornings or late nights spent toiling away. I don’t see the number of sacrifices made to be in that position in that moment. I don’t get to see the months of preparation that helped them get there. I only see the culmination of that time and effort spent. I believe this effect is heightened on social media where far too often all we see is the highlight reel for someone. When all I see around me is a snapshot in time of everyone’s success it can be disheartening that I’m not having success like “they” are. I get caught up in measuring my weeks or months against their moment in the sun. What a disservice I do to myself when I let that happen. I have to force some patience and a deep breath. I have to, sometimes constantly, remind myself that they are not my opponent. I have to remember the changes I’m making are not zero-sum. I have to acknowledge that they are proof it can be done and not some arbitrary winner in a race only I knew was happening. I have to hold tight to the idea that my only way to lose is to give up or to stop trying. They might be there first but that doesn’t mean I can’t get there. I mean, just because someone isn’t the first to scale Mt. Everest doesn’t mean that the 100th or 1000th person to do so isn’t still as extraordinary. What I try to consistently remind myself of is that my opponent me. My true measuring stick is who I was yesterday, what was I capable of, how well did I do yesterday. I build on yesterday’s victories and learn from it’s struggles. Maybe it takes me 10 times longer to go 1/10th as far as someone else but they are not my challenger and that is not my path. Have a blessed day, y’all! Stay safe, stay dry and enjoy another beautiful day.
