During times like this, I can’t help but think about the potential for alternate universes. As some of you know, I have a close relationship with the universe in which I became an Olympian.
But more recently, I’ve been wondering if perhaps there is a version of this world where people didn’t have to eat bats in order to survive. Or one in which everyone has the ability to self-isolate and not have to worry about their next paycheck. And I for sure wonder if there is a universe in which Carole definitely did not kill her husband 😉.
Our imagination and our ability to step outside of our current reality is quite a unique skill. No other species has this ability to create such grand fictitious narratives.
And much like I’ve just done, it can be tempting to apply this talent towards the external world. To wonder how things might have turned out if other people did things differently.
It’s enticing and easy to throw shade at others and not look in the mirror. But what good does that really accomplish? Yeah, it might make you feel superior to others for a moment, but it certainly does not move you towards where you ultimately want to be.
Instead, how about throwing the same line of thinking back at yourself?
During this pandemic, while practically the entire world of sports is on lockdown, what are you doing with the time that has been given to you? How are you finding ways to make the most of this situation?
Because as much as it may feel like the world is working against you right now and that all your dreams got put on hold, so too have everyone else’s. Every car that was in the race has to come in for a pit stop (at the exact same time) and thus this moment of limbo is applied across the board.
Whether you want to see it this way or not, we have all been given a gift. We have been given a chance to work on the things we have been neglecting. All of us, not just the athletes, have been provided a moment to catch our breath.
I’m optimistic this virus will eventually calm down, but most experts agree we are just getting started.
If that is the case, perhaps it is high time we consider engaging a more Stoic mindset:
“There is only one road to happiness — let this rule be at hand morning, noon, and night: stay detached from things that are not up to you.”
Epictetus
“We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
Viktor Frankl
The Path of the Average You
So, how about asking yourself a simple question: What would the average version of you do today?
Just think about that for a second… it’s a simple question, but when you truly contemplate its implication you can discover a profound personal change.
No one likes being average. In fact, most of you believe you are well above the average. But are you really?
You might be taller, faster, or stronger than others — but is your mindset above average? Do the choices you make day-after-day and moment-after-moment reflect the character of someone who is exceptional or just average?
Specifically during this pandemic/lockdown, you might ask yourself…
- What foods would the average you eat?
- How does the average you stay in shape?
- What does the average you do in the face of adversity?
- What does self-improvement look like for the average you?
- How does the average you come out this in 5-6 months?
Here’s the harsh truth, making 10 exceptionally great choices but then peppering in 5 bad ones does not mean you are coming out on top. It only makes you marginally better than all the other people who couldn’t resist making 6 bad choices. You’re still pretty much average.
The big picture question you might consider is this: What would an average life look like for me?
Take that question and go 5 years, 10 years, or even 30 years into the future. Try to imagine how that could play out. I’m sure it wouldn’t be devastating. But it would be far from your potential. And that’s what hurts the most. Knowing that we could be better, we could be exceptional, yet we let the average version of ourselves take control of the wheel.
Start by taking back control with the original thought: When you encounter moments where it would easy to be average and a challenge to be exceptional — consider which version of yourself you ultimately want to become.
Sports will come back eventually. This is not permanent. But the consequences from the choices you make during this period will last long into the future.
I hope you choose wisely…
-Derek
PS – Are you looking for some good books to get you started? Check out the Daily Athlete Reading List or just message me for a more custom book request.
