It is the Summer Olympics and I am captivated by what the Olympians are doing. I’m obsessively watching: gymnastics, swimming, and soon, track and field. As I double down on my debt repayment journey and work hard to grow my income-because I want to be rich (seriously) I am finding myself incredibly humbled and motivated by the amazing feats these athletes are achieving.
Dream on Dreamers
But there is more to what they are doing than dreaming, these athletes are focused every single day on taking action that will move them one step closer to their dream. Dreams are basically the stuff that you put on your vision board and work hard to make them come true.
Have you ever thought about the number of hours that they put into making their Olympic dreams come true? The social events missed, the time with friends and family, and the level of sacrifice that they embraced. And for many of them-there is no regret . They left everything on the table.
Why Don’t You?
Put everything on the table? As you pay off debt, save money, and challenge yourself to dream big. I am sure that all of these Olympians that we idolize so much heard naysayers, were discouraged, and felt like it would take forever for their dream to happen.
To be honest, I am asking myself these questions. There is a point where you have to push past your fear of not meeting your goals and just put it all on the table. I haven’t done that. In fact, “squirrel!” could be my motto for the past year. There were so many choices, so much freedom, but that much freedom distracts from dreams.
Freedom
I had too much of it. I have always been the person who achieved more when I have more going on. I get crazy focused and I get things done. I think that a lot of people resist doing the hard work because they think about all that they will be missing. I don’t care about that anymore because I’ve realized that this moment in time is just a season in my life. And once the season is done-I will move on to other things.
People don’t want to miss out on:
- Nights out
- Sporting events
- And, whatever it is they think other people other people are doing.
I totally get it. The other day I was telling my Mastermind group what I was working on. They are used to me focusing on some projects, rocking others, and occassionally floating a bit aimlessly. My friend was a bit alarmed by all of the stuff I was rolling out. She very wisely pointed out that maybe, just maybe I should focus on one thing. And, she was right. But, I pointed out the following: I’m not married, dating, have kids, a dog, or even a goldfish. This is the “season” for me to focus and get things done. Because I have a strong feeling that my single, husbandless, childless, goldfishless season is about to change sooner than I expect.
So, if you notice that I’ve increased my output, am sleeping a little less, and am really single minded about getting this done-just remember, this is just a short season in my life and I’m ok with it.
What season are you in? How do the Olympians inspire you? How hard are you willing to work?
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I am very happy for your determination. Thank you for this inspirational post. I am about to change some things in my life and put it all on the table in order to achieve some of my long time goals. Thanks Michelle.
Every once in awhile I get crazy focused. The last times I was focused like this I: went to Europe, finished college in 4 years, quit my job, and the list goes on. Basically, once I get crazy focused-I get crazy focused and get it done. Sending you good vibes, good luck, and you’ve got this!
Oh man the Olympics have definitely helped me up my game in life. I agree that the focus they have is incredible and what they go through to achieve their dreams is even more inspiring than anyone winning a medal! I also agree that having too many things going on makes it difficult to do any one thing really well. But I also get how it’s hard to decide exactly what needs to be focused on most!
My friend who made the comment is also married and has 2 little ones and some other things going on. I don’t have a lot going on so it’s easier for me to have several projects happening. Fortunately they all kind of run the same way so it’s easy to work on them. It’s also a heck of a lot easier than last year. I have a much better idea of what I’m trying to do so I’m having an easier time of it.
It’s always good to have a dream. I have always found it easier to achieve a goal with a bigger overall plan.
I always have a bigger vision and when I get distracted from it-I have to refocus and make things happen.
I was surprised to see how my freedom really affected my productivity. I, too, would prefer to be successful first so that I can enjoy being free later. And, no, it’s not depressing at all. You’re being truthful!
I’m preparing for my grind season after Fincon. I’m doing great now, but plan on doing much more. I did some calculations earlier this week and realized that I can have another two debts paid off by February. I want that to happen sooner.
I’m really looking forward to increasing my workload. I’m just done. I know that you will pay off those debts! Looking forward to reading about it. AND, I’m convinced that you will do it earlier than February.