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WHERE DO YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME?

What’s the most elite sporting event in the world? The Olympic games, of course.

It’s an event that occurs every four years, where the very best athletes in the world compete for the ultimate prize – a gold medal. One of the most celebrated events in the Olympics is the 100-meter race – a race to determine the fastest man and woman in the world. This race is typically over in less than 10 seconds for men and less than 12 seconds for women. 

How long do you think the athletes spend preparing for the 100-meter race that ends in less than 12 seconds? My guess is at least four years, if not longer. So, more than 99% of their time is spent preparing for the Olympics – or, in other words, in the journey. 

You may be thinking, “Yes, but that’s the Olympics and I’m not an athlete. So what has that got to do with me?” Well, think about any goal that you’ve ever achieved in your life. And as you think about this goal, answer the following questions: 

  • How long did you spend preparing and taking action to achieve your specific goal, i.e., in the journey?
  • How long did you spend either participating in the actual event and/or celebrating once you had achieved the goal, i.e., at the destination?
  • How long did that celebratory feeling last before you started to wonder, “What else?” or “What next?” or “Is that it?”

HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY TREAT THE JOURNEY?

Between journey and destination, most people focus on the destination only. They worry and obsess about whether or not they will achieve their goal. And when it comes to the journey, they view it only as a means to an end. And because of this attitude, they never really end up enjoying the journey. What a huge waste that is! 

What I’m getting at is that no matter what your specific situation is, you spend the vast proportion of your time in the “journey” phase. Keeping the end in mind is obviously important. However, equally important – if not more important – is to make the most of your journey, since most of your time is spent there. 

HOW TO MAXIMIZE FULFILLMENT IN THE JOURNEY

The magic formula for making the most of your journey is as follows:

  • Be fully present at all times. Don’t waste the present moment by either regretting the past or worrying about the future. Instead, just be present in the moment.
  • Appreciate whatever shows up in your journey. Sometimes the obstacles and detours on the journey are essential lessons that we need to learn to maximize our talents and potential.
  •  Be detached from the destination as much as possible. Instead, focus on giving your best effort here and now to the task at hand.
  •  Celebrate progress. Take moments along the journey to pause and feel gratitude and pride for all the progress that you’ve already made on your journey. Focus on how far you’ve come, as opposed to how much farther you may have to go.

What are some of the “journeys” that you’ve been on in your life? What did you got out of being on the path to those goals? How can you apply some of the ideas above to get the most out of the journey you’re on today?

 

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