On Fridays I like to share experiences I’ve had during the week with patients and in my personal life that I’ve found significant. I like to share them in hopes that you might find value in them and have something resonate with you in your life.
Something I agreed with. I watched a video from someone I really respect this week speaking about the “Rule of 100.” This concept means that if you were to spend 100 hours this year (18 minutes per day) working on any discipline (fitness, hobby, learning a new skill, etc.) then you would become more proficient in that area than 95% of the population.
I gave this much thought and I believe it to be true. Commonly, we think the people we see succeeding in an area or endeavor as being more gifted and talented than us. That is not always the case. Consistent, daily efforts even for small amounts of time can lead to tremendous growth. As this continues, the base of experience and knowledge multiplies, and you begin to pull away from your competition that is not as consistently disciplined. If you have something you want to improve, use the 100 Hour Rule to your advantage.
A story that proves a lesson. I heard a story this week about one of the top quarterback prospects in the recent NFL draft. At a rookie dinner, players who were soon be drafted in the first round, left the restaurant a mess. A representative from one of the teams happened to show up at the end of that dinner to witness this and was surprised to see the quarterback they’d been considering cleaning up the room after the other players left. The player did not know anyone was watching him but cleaned the room because he felt it was disrespectful the way it was left, and his mom would not have been proud.
With contracts in the millions of dollars and the differences between talent being razor thin, it can be difficult to decide who to draft. The team that saw the quarterback tending to that mess selected him in the top 5 of the draft. They saw this as confirmation of the leadership skills they hoped he possessed. To me, this is a reminder of a crucial life lesson that how you do anything, is how you’ll do everything. The same principles, standards, and effort that you apply to the smallest of your tasks and responsibilities will carry over to the most important things you do and will be noticed by all.
A piece of advice I recently gave. I was asked by someone attempting their first 100-mile race for my advice and experience in competing in these runs. They were interested in how I handled things later in my races when I start moving (even) slower and the pain intensifies with each step. I told them “The key is that the old you will have to die with each step and the new you will have to take its place.” This means that each step further will be harder but will bring you closer to the goal and reduce some of your doubt and anxiety that you can get there.
This same advice applies to all aspects of life as well. Each time you venture even slightly out of your comfort zone, you gain a small amount of confidence. Initially you will not notice, but over time it magnifies. Soon, through continuous resolve, you begin to view yourself as someone who can handle even the toughest challenges. Much like in my 100-mile races, that belief will not happen all at once but will increase with each step forward. Let the old you go as you build an even better one slowly each day.
Something I believe. Have you ever tried to have a respectful discussion with someone only to have them shout you down and insist on having the last condescending word? Or finished a competition or sporting event with someone taunting you? This is a form of trying to humiliate and embarrass someone you are competing with. I do not like that type of behavior.
Leaving an opponent with their dignity is something I believe in. This is true in sports as well as disagreements or issues we may have with people in our lives. In no way does this mean we have to concede our beliefs or diminish our victory or efforts. Rather, it is merely a small gesture that acknowledges our opponent had passion and desire as we did, even if we don’t like them. Win or lose, this type of behavior shows strength of character and therefore must be practiced.
Some quotes I love.
“Some of the best advice I’ve been given: Don’t take criticism from people you would never go to for advice.” – Morgan Freeman
“If you want to be successful, you must respect one rule – never lie to yourself.”
“Actions speak louder than words but not nearly as often.” – Mark Twain
“Success waits for no one. Time waits for no one.” – Ray Care