I hope you’re having a great summer (or winter if you’re in the southern hemisphere)!
I know I am. I’ve done a family trip to the mountains, where I mountain biked for the first time (and climbed over 2,000 feet in the process!).
I went to Montana for the first time.
And I’ve been really busy with a beta course I launched about a month ago.
Since the course isn’t complete yet (and since it takes time and effort to put into effect), it’s a little early to tell, but I really think we’re going to see some good success from the feedback and progress I’ve seen so far.
But I’m writing this email just to leave you with a thought I’m having. Sometimes hearing something at the right time helps remind you to live, act or think a certain way that can benefit your life.
And it’s this: Push yourself to do the things you love. And push yourself to try things you might end up enjoying.
Yes, I know it sounds simple and obvious (it even does to me). But often times we end up foregoing something we’d actually really enjoy, just to stay home and sit on the couch.
Why? Because it’s easier. Because it’s safer. Because we can pretty much guarantee at least a minimum amount of enjoyment.
But is it worth it? I don’t think so. Especially not in the long term.
I’m telling you this because sometimes we need to be reminded. To be pushed.
And I’m no exception. I needed a strong nudge to go mountain biking for the first time. I needed a strong nudge to take my first yoga class last week.
It’s funny because I’ve been wanting to mountain bike for years now. But I kept making excuses. And even though many of the reasons are valid (like I don’t have a bike), I almost didn’t go when those reasons were completely stripped away from me.
Before our trip to the mountains, my dad asked if I wanted to mountain bike with him and his friend while we were up there. He said they had a bike, some gear, and everything I’d need to make it happen. All I had to do was say yes.
And for some reason, it was hard to say that little three-letter word! I kept thinking:
“But this is a vacation. I want to relax and hang out.”
“That’s going to eat up half of a day. I don’t want to ‘waste’ my vacation.”
In the end, they were all just excuses in my head. It’s that self-talk in my head that’s trying to keep me from doing something I could potentially love, to keep me in a safe spot that isn’t actually a better place to be.
Fortunately, I said, “Hell yeah! Let’s do it!” And I had a blast.
It was WAY more work than I expected, but that made climbing to the summit made it that much more rewarding.
Right now I’m pushing myself to write this email to you. But in the end, I know it’s worth it.
Maybe I can push you to do something awesome.