Focus on Your Gifts, Not Your Limitations

“Concentrate on your strengths instead of your weaknesses, on your powers instead of your problems.” – Paul J. Meyer

A few weeks ago, while my son and I were driving home after a workout, we were discussing strength training and its effect on physical development, and how this effect varies considerably among and between athletes.

More broadly, we were discussing the tendency of athletes (and people in general) to be very externally focused — comparing and bench-marking themselves with other individuals and their accomplishments — instead of striving toward self-development.

Eventually, comparing yourself with others is a dead end.

The reality is, we’re all guilty of that, from time to time — in school, sports, work, and life.  As a matter of fact, it’s often encouraged by parents and siblings; friends; teachers and classmates; coaches and teammates; and colleagues.

We all know that the only relevant comparison is with ourselves.  Yesterday’s performance is the only important gauge for today’s efforts.

Yet we continue to look over our shoulders and all around us, because it’s easier to do that than it is to look in the mirror.

We all have the potential to be better, today, than we were yesterday; better tomorrow than we are today.

Invest more time and energy focusing on what can go right, instead of thinking about what might go wrong.

Instead of thinking about limitations and restrictions, spend more time concentrating on opportunities and possibilities.

Acknowledge and recognize your strengths and gifts, rather than beating yourself up about shortcomings and weaknesses.

Be more solution-oriented, and less problem-oriented.

Be optimistic, realistic, and opportunistic.

And, most importantly, spend some time each day reflecting on — and being thankful for — the ways you are blessed and fortunate.

Get STRONGER, Get FASTER!

Your thoughts?