Focus on the Ounces, and the Pounds Will Take Care of Themselves
Several years ago I was talking with my ex-wife who’s an avid backpacker as she was preparing to go on a long backpacking trip. She was telling me about all the little changes she had made to her gear—a toothbrush that’s half an ounce lighter, trekking poles that were 3 ounces lighter, a sleeping bag that was another 2 ounces lighter and so on. I said “that is such a small difference does that even matter?” She laughed and said,
“If you focus on the ounces, the pounds take care of themselves.”
When she said that my mind was blown because that is such a great metaphor for life.
Think about it…
Whether you’re in the process of integrating from a plant medicine ceremony, setting a New Year’s resolution, or trying to improve your health, the same mindset should apply.
Focus on the little things first!
All too often when trying to make a major life change we become overwhelmed by the amount of work it will take to get from point A to point B. Which usually causes us just to throw in the towel and give up on our goal.
But the truth is, big changes won't happen overnight. The journey from point A to point B is and always will be a long one.
And a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
So instead of becoming paralyzed by the size of the journey laid out before you, start small. Focus on the ounces. Focus on taking it one small step at a time.
Which reminds me of another great quote:
“Most people overestimate what they can do in one day and underestimate what they can achieve in a year.”
This quote perfectly sums up this idea. Most people try to do everything all at once. They try to complete the entire journey in just a few days. Which as we all know is not possible.
My time in the fitness industry was a testament to this. No one gets in shape in one day, one week or even one month. But people sure as hell tried.
True story - I once had someone come into the gym and told me their goal was to get in shape for their wedding in Mexico. I said “perfect, when's the wedding”? She said, “Next month”...
However, even though getting in shape doesn’t happen overnight if you are consistent, in 6-months people will start taking note of your progress and in a year, you will be an entirely different person. This is all to say that when you take it one step at a time you can completely transform your life for the better in as little as a year.
Remember life is a marathon not a sprint.
So stop worrying about all the things on your to do list. Instead take a deep breath and just focus on those ounces...