- Happiness is a Choice.
People are going to upset us. Things are not going to go right. The world is going to feel like it is completely against us sometimes. These things can only get to us if we allow them. Once we have a true understanding of how to control our emotions, we can command them in any direction we choose.
- Meditate. Often.
I didn’t do yoga until I was in college. I didn’t meditate outside of yoga until this year. It has been a complete game-changer. When I meditate, I get to the bottom of what is going on in my life. It is a full reset button. I feel like I have my own space when I meditate. Nothing can affect me there.
When I used to get a paycheck, I paid my bills first. Generally, after taxes, food, bills, and gas, I was not left with a whole lot to spend on me. I have changed my thinking. When I get my paycheck, I now put the money aside first in savings, the stock market, or spend some on things for me. When it gets towards the end of the month, I no longer have a choice-I have to work that much harder to make money to pay bills. Necessity is a hell of a motivator. SIDE NOTE: Start to learn about the stock market sooner than later.
- It’s about the marathon, not the sprint.
Minor setbacks do not mean major failures. Hiccups happen. My responses to the setbacks are more important than the setbacks themselves. I might not get into my “dream school”. I may not win the election to the student council senior year of high school (damn you, Marcus), but those loses will never define me.
- Every person on the planet knows something you don’t.
It is basic instinct to judge people quickly. We have developed this skill after thousands of years of fine-tuning our fight-or-flight responses. The problem comes when that snap judgement clouds our vision. Rather than hear what they are saying, we are stuck on that sliver of information about the person. It is important to learn from everyone. We learn and grow so much more when we have open minds.
- Relationships are the backbone of life.
I have a younger brother that I used to fight with, nearly every day, growing up. We were constantly competing, which lead to arguing, which sometimes lead to pushing and shoving etc. Even though there were some rough patches, there certainly was a lot of good. I think when I left for college, I began to really miss the good. My relationship with my brother has improved every day since. The point is, whether it is friends, family, or even complete strangers, we need to nurture our relationships.
- Your sport/job is “what you do”, not who you are.
I did not make the team as a freshman at the University of Nevada. I had poured everything I had into baseball. When I was told that, basically, I wasn’t allowed to compete that season, I was absolutely devastated. I remember a week where I just felt like a complete failure with zero direction for my future. It was really important for me to see that there was more to life. My friends and family still love me for the person I am, and sports are just a small piece of that.
- The grass is greenest where you water it.
We all want to “keep up with the Jones’”. Sometimes we are so focused on what others have and we don’t. What good does that do? Who cares what shoes I have, or what car I drive? I am going to be successful and have balance in my life as long as I focus my attention in the right areas. I will never find fulfillment, however, if I am worried about what I am lacking.
- Anything worth having involves sacrifice.
The easy victories are never as fulfilling as the ones we fight for. Marathons are appealing because they are HARD. I would assume people don’t get the same satisfaction and fulfilment from running one mile. It is important to remember this in training. Sacrifice today for the spoils of tomorrow.
- The joy is in the journey.
We all have goals in life. There is a finish line for everyone. When we cross that finish line there is always another. Get to the peak of the mountain, only to find a new peak on the horizon. If we are always focused on the next peak, we won’t enjoy the view on the way up. Find the good in everything!
