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 believe. There are rumblings that a return to COVID lockdowns, masks, etc. is on the horizon. As a result, I am being asked frequently how I plan to handle it. For the sake of space, I will just say that I will not do, follow, or allow anything for myself, family, or business that I do not wholeheartedly believe in. In other words, I am guided by what I feel is right rather than what I’m told.
As most of you know, I never gave into the hysteria the first time around (in my business or personal life) and had no issue accepting the consequences of standing up for what I felt was right. I was patient with others, but firm in my convictions. If the same situation is to arise again, I will take this same approach. My focus will remain on being proactive about my health and that of my family, and I will never allow fear or public pressure to interfere with those responsibilities.
An important concept. Priorities are what we consider to be most important. The easiest way to see what someone’s priorities are is to see how they spend their time. For example, a person that takes the time to exercise, prepare healthy food, and take nutritional supplements would show an obvious priority of improving or maintaining their health. How we spend our time and direct our activities reflects what we prioritize for ourselves.
It is crucial to understand that when we do not set our priorities and direct our actions accordingly, they become set for us. Sadly, when this occurs our priorities usually become the most unhealthy, unproductive, least useful, and non-rewarding things we can find because they are so easy to fall into. For that reason, it is vital that you decide what is most important for you to have in your life and then implement habits and processes that jive with that. Set your priorities before they become set for you.
Something I hear often. Friends and patients often praise me for not complaining. They’ll tell me how refreshing it is to speak to someone that doesn’t bring them down with negativity. Sometimes they ask what my secret is for doing this and my answer is quite simple.
I cannot even stand myself when I complain so I don’t do it. It’s completely fine to work through issues and confide in others but there is a difference between doing that and whining. Complaining about things is the ultimate waste of time and energy. Give yourself a zero-tolerance policy on complaining and embrace the battles you face. If you do, your life will get simpler, you’ll feel better, and success will find you easier.
Something I reflected on. Three years ago this week my brother-in-law passed away suddenly. I recall receiving the call at 6am on a Friday morning that he was in a coma, and we all had great faith and hope he would recover. That Monday I remember getting a text that there was some type of eye movement seen by his nurses and felt certain my buddy was on his way back. When I walked in the door that night from work my wife told me her brother was brain dead and would never recover. I literally just fell over and cried. It was devastating.
I’ve made some grand gestures to honor my brother-in-law, Sam. I spread his ashes on the fields where we coached together on, run ultramarathons, and so on. What I reflected on this week, was that with everything I have done to honor him, I feel he would be most proud that I still consider him to be so important to me. As an example, when my sister slipped into a coma and died last year, I sat alone in the airport talking to Sam trying to hold my world together as I flew out to say goodbye to her. There will be people in your life that will have a greater impact on you than you could possibly imagine. When they’re here, treasure and appreciate them. If they’re not, keep their memories alive.
Some quotes I love.
“The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie.” – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
“Non-compliance is not bad behavior. It’s a critical life skill.”
“No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.” – Regina Brett
“Don’t give advice. Live your advice. People get your message by watching you.” – Dr. John Delony
“Those trapped in ignorance often refuse to acknowledge their lack of knowledge, and when confronted with the truth, they reject it or respond with hostility.” – Shaun Zimmer