by Coach Meghan Fillnow
Originally posted on the BASE Performance Blog. You can learn more about BASE Performance here.
As we head into the new year, many people set New Year’s Resolutions. Countless studies verify that only 8% of people actually keep their resolutions, and 45% of resolutions are over by the end of January. In 2019, let’s modify our perspective by focusing on the process and not the outcomes of keeping resolutions.
The first part of focusing on the process is to show up on a daily basis. Woody Allen once said that “80% of success is showing up.” How can you show up this year in your day to day life that will play huge dividends in the long run? This is not an all or nothing approach to tackling goals, or it’s not a jelly-fish approach to life in which you are just floating with the random currents. It is making small, deliberate, action-oriented choices every single day. High performers in all fields of life do the ordinary things extraordinarily well.
An essential aspect of focusing on the process is staying relentlessly positive. You have complete control over your thoughts. Your thoughts are like a garden and must be watered, pruned, and nourished. Weed out the negativity. “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Everything begins with your thoughts and you have complete ownership of them, so make them count for the good.
Another factor is to own the moment. Instead of focusing on the end result of a podium finish, personal record, Kona qualifying win, promotion, or marriage make the best out of your current place in life. Don’t focus on regrets from the past or think too far ahead because you will miss the beauty of the day. Keep your eyes open for the gold in the day and not the pot of gold over the rainbow.
The next part of a process-mindset is to expand your comfort zone. We like to tell our athletes to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Challenge yourself in your relationships, work environment, and training. Maybe do a long run without your GPS watch or head to a group swim workout. The only way you overcome fear is by stepping up again and again, and eventually, you will become a conqueror of whatever was holding you back.
And if you get sidetracked, give yourself grace, and press on. It’s not about the end result. It’s about being courageous, persevering no matter what, and enjoying the gift of the day. Along the way, you will become unstoppable and get to where you want to go.
