G.O.A.T.
By Resna Marie Brunson, MSC
The excitement of the Olympic Games is contagious. We all seem to enjoy watching and cheering for our country’s team and sometimes our hometown hero. Although I did not excel in sports I still find myself drawn to the television and in awe of each athlete’s skill. Some reach the pinnacle of Greatest Of All Time or G.O.A.T. Having this title identifies them as one who reached their personal best and surpassed all others in their sport. The term signifies hard work and perseverance. Despite physical and/or mental challenges, the “G.O.A.T” does not give up.
Daily life can sometimes feel like an Olympic event . We can work tirelessly preparing yet we can still be faced with an obstacle that pushes us off our balance beam. The key is to get back on the beam and finish. The “greatest” understands finishing strong DOES NOT always equate to breaking records, receiving medals or in some instances crossing the finish line. Instead, focus, determination, sacrifice, persistence, and steadfast pursuit to the goal is a strong finish.
What prevents us from seeing the finish line? What causes us to simply give in? What causes us to stop reaching for our personal best? What hurdles are in our way? If we dig deep within ourselves, most will agree our biggest obstacle is FEAR. Fear of: uncertainties, what others will think or say, of being uncomfortable, of falling again, of failure. The origin of our fears is our thoughts. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” This verse in Proverbs affirms the direct correlation between thoughts and behaviors. Putting off those thoughts that produce fear/anxiety and replacing them with thoughts that encourage hope, perseverance, and endurance help to begin the process of changing our behaviors. We may decide to get back on the course, finish the race, and go for the gold. However, changing our way of thinking is not easy. Many of our thoughts are rooted deep and often unrecognizable. The process of digging/reflecting and replacing damaging thoughts can be discouraging, long, painful, and feel risky. We may become weary and decide going for the gold/change is “just too hard.”
Are you feeling defeated by fear and anxiety? Are you afraid to step off the starting block? Do you think it is impossible to change your way of thinking?
Perhaps having someone to help explore what is preventing you from experiencing “your greatest” may be helpful. Ready to take the next step.
