I write this at my usual early AM time, a bit more sleep deprived than normal, but still very reflective, and a hot cup of coffee in hand…
We’ll see what comes out.
This morning I’m reminded of a line I tell myself just about every day….
Control the controllable.
There is so much in life we can’t control.
However, we can control how we react to it, our attitude towards it, and how we deal with it.
Personally, it’s been a long year.
Just over a year ago I lost my dad, we’ve had some growing pains in the business this year, and just about a year ago now Megan and I began the journey towards growing our family.
It’s been a long road.
I won’t share details, but it’s been emotionally exhausting, for me, and of course, even more so for Megan.
I’ve spent more time in hospitals and doctors’ offices this year than I have in my entire adult life.
Thankfully, we have an awesome team, and most of you would have never even noticed, they don’t miss a beat.
Don’t fret, Mom and Baby are doing fine, and we’re anxiously awaiting the arrival in the next couple of days or weeks.
But, I remind Megan, I remind myself, and I remind you…
We can’t control every situation and its outcome, but we can control our attitude and how we react to it.
The fact is, that is 1% Better.
Doing what you can with what you have, and trying to focus on what you can control.
A client last week asked me…
“Doug, how do you do it?”
Motivated, driven, focused, etc.
The fact is, I’m dealing with the same shit you are.
Crazy days, a busy life, stress, anxiety, you name it.
No one has it all figured out, and if they tell you that, give them a smack because they’re lying.
I think I just aim to focus on what I can control.
I can control thinking positive…
I can control my actions…
I can control what I’m going to do about it TODAY.
And certainly, the last thing I’m going to do about it is nothing.
Whether we’re talking about personal stuff, work stuff, or fitness and lifestyle stuff, we often can’t control the outcome.
What we can do is control the process.
We can take charge of our mental health, we can think more positive…
We can take charge of our schedule and block off some time for self-care…
Trust me, as most of you know, I’m all for having big dreams, and long-term goals, but let’s face it…
Most of life is just showing up this week and saying, “What can I give?”
What can I give for effort?
What can I give to others?
Most importantly, what can I give to myself?
Each week will look different, each day will look different but aim not to worry about that.
We can’t control the future, we can only control our current actions, what we’re thinking, and what we’re doing about it.
For me, that’s the recipe for stress reduction.
Keep that in mind as you head into what is typically a very enjoyable, yet stressful time of year in the holidays and the new year.
Control the controllable.
Ok, time for me to head downstairs and refill the coffee cup :)
1% Better.
Dedicated to Your Success,
Doug Spurling