Achieving Goals: Simplifying the Path to Success
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Chapter 1: The Impact of Focus
When I first stepped into a combat gym, I noticed a particular individual who seemed exceptionally skilled. His footwork was lightning-fast, and his combinations flowed seamlessly, starkly contrasting with my own efforts. While there were others at a similar proficiency level, he undeniably stood out, perhaps due to his physique or magnetic personality.
I often fantasized, thinking, "It must be incredible to possess that level of skill." I was eager to reach his proficiency!
Out of sheer curiosity, I inquired, “How long have you been practicing boxing?”
“Not long, about four months. I’m a relative novice; I hadn’t boxed before this.”
“Really? I would have guessed at least a year,” I replied, astonished. It was hard to fathom that such progress could be made in just four months, but I recognized that I had no frame of reference for such growth.
After that encounter, the conversation slipped from my mind as I focused on my training.
I admit, I took it to the next level — I kept a dedicated notebook where I meticulously recorded notes after each training session. I poured my energy into every class, often pushing myself to the point of overexertion.
The essence of my approach was to eliminate excuses. During my training sessions, I committed myself completely. I made countless errors and faced embarrassment, yet my singular focus was on improvement, allowing no distractions to hinder my progress.
I Never Thought This Day Would Arrive
A few weeks back, a newcomer joined our class, and I partnered with her. Despite her lack of boxing experience, we had a fantastic time, and she picked up quite a bit that day!
At the end of our hour together, she asked me how long I had been boxing.
“Not long; I’m still relatively new — about three to four months.”
“What! Seriously? You’re so fit, and it looks like you’ve been doing this for at least a year!”
Sound familiar? No, I’m not adjusting her response to echo the earlier one; those were her exact words. That compliment truly made my day and stands as one of the best praises I’ve ever received.
The real takeaway here is the cyclical nature of progress — four months ago, I was in her position, and now I’ve reached a level akin to his.
Do I feel accomplished? Certainly!
However, the reality of exercising is that it never truly becomes easier; you merely become better. I continue to make mistakes, face embarrassment, and acknowledge that I have much to learn. The journey of learning is perpetual.
It's astonishing what can be achieved with focus, determination, and resilience!
If You Have a Goal:
- Believe in Yourself: Embrace the notion that you can achieve your aspirations, no matter how outlandish they may seem. If you lack belief in yourself, who will? You are your strongest advocate.
- Commit to Consistency: Show up and avoid excuses — easier said than done. Everyone has their strategies for this; perhaps I’ll elaborate on it in a future piece. As Nike says, "Just do it." Train, study, work — whatever the task, dedicate yourself to it daily without fail.
- Let Go of the Goal: This might seem paradoxical. Essentially, it means immersing yourself in the journey and becoming one with the process, embracing both the highs and lows. When you invest fully in the experience without fixating on the outcomes, you unlock your highest potential.
We often complicate our paths to success by fixating on our goals and feeling overwhelmed by thoughts like:
- "How will I get there?"
- "It’s so distant!"
- "What if I fail?"
- "Am I good enough?"
- "Is it too challenging for me?"
- "Do I have what it takes?"
All these "Am I's" and "What ifs" serve as distractions. Channel your energy into the work instead!
Everything you need is already within you. You know what actions you need to take.
So stop overthinking, focus on what’s essential, and watch yourself ascend to greatness!
Good luck!
Marila
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