The pursuit of growth, a blessing or hindrance?

Being an athlete, naturally we want to progress.

To push ourselves.

To see what we are capable of.

This is a beautiful part of the sports we choose. They allow us to push past our growth edges and reach new heights.

This not only helps with confidence within the sport but also helps us choose courage to take risks and push ourselves in other areas of life.

I truly believe that these sports help us show up more powerfully in so many ways. The work and effort we put into our training and adventures is not siloed to the physical realm, it naturally helps us gain strength in every area of life… I will talk more in detail about this at a later time.

Back on topic: this constant pursuit of growth can be a blessing and a curse. When we are so focused on what is next it blinds us to all of the strengths and blessings we have today. It can bring your focus on the gap in skill and fitness leaving today's efforts and wins as undetectable blips on your radar.

So what’s the answer here? To only focus on the now and leave tomorrow to fend for itself? To keep pushing hard and ignore today because that is how you have gotten to where you are? Honestly, I don’t believe there is only one answer, but I don’t think that either of those are it.

In some pursuits focusing on the future helps drive today's efforts with a sense of determination and discipline.

In others it causes a sense of overwhelm that stops you from finding joy in the process leading to a big fat case of burnout or never starting at all.

In some efforts, focusing on today helps you move forward with a sense of ease and lightness.

In others focusing on today can leave you questioning why you are putting in all this effort in the first place, where is it gonna take you?

Bottom line.. I think it is important to dream about what is possible. To work today for the future self you are wanting to be tomorrow. To have an idea of where you are wanting to go. For some people this will be formulating a goal with a clear road map. For others it is more obscure and a feeling that they are wanting to embody. It doesn’t matter which it is, it just matters that it is important to you. That it brings you joy to think about and allows you to grow in the direction most helpful to you.

AND your present self desires attention as well. Celebrate the small daily wins. Give gratitude to your body for the efforts put in today. Create an awareness around what is now possible that maybe wasn’t before. Ask yourself how did or can I show up for myself today? Be present for the journey.

I hope in your pursuit of growth you find excitement for where you are headed and a sense of pride for who you are and what you are capable of today.

Hold onto the vision for the future while also fully relishing in the perfect version of yourself here and now.

💕 Sam