Yesterday I was giving someone some positive feedback about a movement in the gym and their response was to tell me about a movement they still can’t do.

There wasn’t any recognition by themself of the improvement, just an instant reminder of what they are still struggling with.

It really got me thinking, I’m definitely someone that does this, in the past I couldn’t receive any positive feedback at all, but I’ve been learning over the last few years to hear it, acknowledge it, believe it and learn from it.

Often we are thinking about our goals, things we strive for, self development - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, we are moving towards those things, focussed on those things.

We reach the goal, and all of a sudden the bar is moved, almost heightened.

Now there’s a new goal.

In almost a split second of achievement, we are thinking what next, rather than, wow, I did it.

There have been so many occasions, especially as someone who enjoys a challenge, where as soon as I’ve completed it, or the next day, I’m asked ‘what’s next?’

What’s next?

It’s incredible, as individuals and society how we can just disregard what was probably a major achievement, a major struggle for possibly, days, months or even years, so much hard work, and just - what’s next.

Sit for a moment and just think of your last achievement - however big or small.

Bring it to your mind and see if you can even take yourself to that moment and feel being there.

Did you celebrate yourself? Did you recognise the achievement? Did you acknowledge the work it took to get you there?

I don’t say this, because we need to sit around thinking how wonderful we are, what a hero we have been - although it wouldn’t harm on occasion to do this!

Reflection should be balanced.

There is almost certainly room for improvement for most of us, throughout our life. But if we don’t take time to acknowledge the improvement, the milestones, what can we learn from.

Those successes or moments we were challenged beyond our limits are our opportunity to learn. They are some our greatest teachers.

Adversity, challenge, failure, they teach us a huge amount, but I’m sure there’s also some benefit to looking at the teachings of the achievements, those successes, the wins, the times where to be honest you were an absolute badass.

Maybe.

Maybe it’s worth thinking about.

Remember, it all starts with a breath.

Producer: Conor Sweetman - IG - conorsweetman.stories

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