What's the Point?

Good Morning Rogues!

Another week in the books.

Are you closer or further?

Feeling the same distance?

It’s hard to know how much progress we’re making in the moment. Usually we have to look back to see where we’ve been to recognize any sense of accomplishment.

It’s a really unfair characteristic of progress, that it’s hard to feel while it’s happening.

It wears people down and creates burnout because the law of familiarity means that if life is slowing changing, it always feels “normal.”

If I look at my life now versus a Friday night 4 years ago, it’s very easy to see how I’ve changed physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Compared to yesterday though, I’m about the same…

Sometimes looking back at what you’ve accomplished just to feel the sense of accomplishment can feel corny or disingenuous.

It feels like, “Am I just doing this to try to make myself feel better?”

Also, if your mind works like mine, there’s a subtle fear that goes like this: “If I become too pleased with what I’ve accomplished, I might lose my drive to do more.”

I’m sure there’s a line somewhere in there that divides the sick part of that fear from the healthy part, but I’m not sure I know where it is yet.

Is there a place where you’ll have what you want?

Is there enough “more” out there to make you happy?

I know that “more” will never make me happy, but I do know that progress makes me feel happy.

I’m grateful for the perspective around that because it would be easy to get caught up in the chase of the wrong things.

I unashamedly want more material success. More money, more trips, more vacations, more opportunities to give back and impact others. I’m not afraid to say it in the slightest.

But I also want to be a better husband, dad, jiujitsu athlete, and mentor.

When I am my unhappiest, I don’t feel like I’m making progress in any of those areas in my life.

On the flip side, if I feel particularly happy about my life, I know that there is progress being made in one of those areas that’s important to me.

Here’s your reminder that progress is the answer.

It’s not the chase of bling or having bling. It’s the feeling you get when you’re a better version of yourself than the day before (in any way that you want).

Couldn’t cook a cheesecake last year, but you can make a killer cheesecake now, I bet that makes you feel happy.

Couldn’t do a pull up last year, but you can do 5 this year, that feels amazing.

That’s a big reason why so many people get addicted to the gym. It gives you actual numbers to see progress with.

A lot of pursuits don’t give you concrete evidence of progress, but it’s important to find those ways to measure so you can keep your spirits up and keep moving.

I’d love to hear about how you track or know your progress. Let’s get after it this week and keep making the world a better place for the people we love.

Thanks for being on this journey with me.

Forever Forward,

Rush

P.S. There are 2 ways I can help you if you’re ready for more:

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