Achievement is relative. Relative to the moment, the person, the situation. In the end, it is not about the pursuit itself, but about the mentality in which it was pursued and the resultant change in mentality after it was accomplished. Confidence, inspiration, discipline. Real, deep, internal change is what we need to pursue, not some arbitrary standard. That's not to say that the pursuit of some standard will not achieve some lasting transformation. Having an objective is not unwarranted in the pursuit of constant metamorphosis. The trials of an attempt at an ultra marathon consistently leave me with a new sense of pride and confidence that I didn't have before. I've always been a confident person, but evolution says there is always more to be had. Every mile underfoot sheds new light on what I am able to accomplish, and honestly changes my perspective on what I previously thought possible. This is where the relativity piece comes in. I am not so naive as to believe that I'm achieving something amazing, but I am aware that I'm forging real alterations in my attitude toward possibility. The achievement of progress is contingent to the individual. A goal is important because it gives you something to strive for. However, at the risk of sounding cliche, it is not the destination but the journey that matters. The internal changes (mental and physical) that will occur with relentless pursuit of progress are invaluable to a life well-lived. Make change by consummating something real and measurable that is important to you. Find your Mount Everest or your ultra marathon and make it happen. Overcoming the day-to-day tribulations in pursuit of a valuable goal will make you feel alive and free, like the world is at your fingertips. Don't find excuse or problems, find solutions. Barriers are negative and they are only there to be broken down. Find a way around your perceived limitations and do something great everyday.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Achievement and Adventure
Adventure is relative. Always. Relative to the moment, the person, the situation. What one constitutes as an adventure may be be a routine walk out the door for another. We all live in our own bubble of experience with varying fears, desires, and attitudes. The more people I speak with about the outdoors, the more this fact is evident to me. On one hand, I've experienced the mountaineer, gearing up for her trip to summit Mount Everest in the spring. On the other hand I've spoken with the stay at home mom, lacing up her shoes for the first time in a long while, attempting a 3 mile jaunt along the nature trail in her community. Both of these instances are relatively adventurous for their respective participants. Everyone starts and ends in a different place dependent on personal exposure, willingness, and motivation. That's not to say one is better or worse, just different. The sense of accomplishment found from each adventure is what really matters. There is always someone doing something more extreme or more "outdoorsy" than you. The point is not to meet or exceed their expectations, but your own. 
Achievement is relative. Relative to the moment, the person, the situation. In the end, it is not about the pursuit itself, but about the mentality in which it was pursued and the resultant change in mentality after it was accomplished. Confidence, inspiration, discipline. Real, deep, internal change is what we need to pursue, not some arbitrary standard. That's not to say that the pursuit of some standard will not achieve some lasting transformation. Having an objective is not unwarranted in the pursuit of constant metamorphosis. The trials of an attempt at an ultra marathon consistently leave me with a new sense of pride and confidence that I didn't have before. I've always been a confident person, but evolution says there is always more to be had. Every mile underfoot sheds new light on what I am able to accomplish, and honestly changes my perspective on what I previously thought possible. This is where the relativity piece comes in. I am not so naive as to believe that I'm achieving something amazing, but I am aware that I'm forging real alterations in my attitude toward possibility. The achievement of progress is contingent to the individual. A goal is important because it gives you something to strive for. However, at the risk of sounding cliche, it is not the destination but the journey that matters. The internal changes (mental and physical) that will occur with relentless pursuit of progress are invaluable to a life well-lived. Make change by consummating something real and measurable that is important to you. Find your Mount Everest or your ultra marathon and make it happen. Overcoming the day-to-day tribulations in pursuit of a valuable goal will make you feel alive and free, like the world is at your fingertips. Don't find excuse or problems, find solutions. Barriers are negative and they are only there to be broken down. Find a way around your perceived limitations and do something great everyday.
Achievement is relative. Relative to the moment, the person, the situation. In the end, it is not about the pursuit itself, but about the mentality in which it was pursued and the resultant change in mentality after it was accomplished. Confidence, inspiration, discipline. Real, deep, internal change is what we need to pursue, not some arbitrary standard. That's not to say that the pursuit of some standard will not achieve some lasting transformation. Having an objective is not unwarranted in the pursuit of constant metamorphosis. The trials of an attempt at an ultra marathon consistently leave me with a new sense of pride and confidence that I didn't have before. I've always been a confident person, but evolution says there is always more to be had. Every mile underfoot sheds new light on what I am able to accomplish, and honestly changes my perspective on what I previously thought possible. This is where the relativity piece comes in. I am not so naive as to believe that I'm achieving something amazing, but I am aware that I'm forging real alterations in my attitude toward possibility. The achievement of progress is contingent to the individual. A goal is important because it gives you something to strive for. However, at the risk of sounding cliche, it is not the destination but the journey that matters. The internal changes (mental and physical) that will occur with relentless pursuit of progress are invaluable to a life well-lived. Make change by consummating something real and measurable that is important to you. Find your Mount Everest or your ultra marathon and make it happen. Overcoming the day-to-day tribulations in pursuit of a valuable goal will make you feel alive and free, like the world is at your fingertips. Don't find excuse or problems, find solutions. Barriers are negative and they are only there to be broken down. Find a way around your perceived limitations and do something great everyday.
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