Let me be clear — I have no clue whose quote is that. Some attribute it to Joseph Sugarman. Some to Robin Sharma. And then some to T. Harv Eker. But whoever said it, I can’t help but be grateful.
Focusing on a few but critical things have transformed my life for the good. And it all starts with knowing what you want the most.
I wanted to write more than what I used to, so I started this blog. It was hard. I didn’t know what to write and who would read it but wrote anyway. I still haven’t publicized the blog outside the WordPress community and I am okay with that. At least for now.
As some of you would know, my goal isn’t to have the most popular blog but to install a system that will allow me to work on my craft every day. I am not sure how great or pathetic I would be at the end of it all, but I surely will be better off than how I had started. All I need to do is to just show up. Everyday.
It’s a practice. And there’s no escaping it if becoming better is one of your goals.
Being a stand-up comic, for example, is akin to being an artist. To get better at your craft you have to show up on stage every day. Even if it’s just for 3-5 minutes. Over time you can’t help but get better at it. World-class? Maybe, but you will have to go beyond just showing up but also study, teach and explore your craft further. Remember, Little-by-little goes a long way.
I recently tweaked my powerlifting training program to focus on just the three lifts (squats, bench press, and deadlift) along with just two accessory exercises for the next 8 weeks. The accessory exercises are meant to improve my core lifts. Period.
And that’s it! Just five exercises over and over again for the next 8 weights. Since our body adapts well to heavier loads, one can’t help but get stronger in the lifts they’re practicing. I find that approach more efficient than a program that’s based on percentages or a rate of perceived exertion. Although they do have a place if you’re an advanced lifter trying to compete.
Paring down your focus to the essentials will force you to stay immersed in the skill(s) you are trying to master. All you need to give it is time. Just show up. Every day.