I’m feeling really capable, competent, and healthy. With exercise I feel better, and I am able to bring more to my relationships, my family and my work!

The Olympics are on and it’s inspiring to watch these dedicated, committed, and highly focused individuals and teams go after their dreams. I could compare myself to Michael Phelps, and come up short. No Olympic medals for me. I’d feel “less than” or “not good enough”. I’ve done that in the past by comparing myself to others…

Or I can recognize that in my own way I have the ability to make my dreams come true and live the life I choose. I’m sure you would agree that it makes no sense to compare my swim time this morning with that of the world’s most decorated Olympic athlete.

Actually, it doesn’t make sense to compare ourselves to anyone else – Olympian or otherwise. Each of us is unique and has special gifts, talents, and capabilities to contribute to our families and communities.

 

• I forgive myself for believing I need to compare myself to others.
• I give myself permission to recognize and build on my unique strengths and capabilities and build my best life.
• I choose to stop comparing myself to others and focus on creating my own best life!
• I’m free to make the best contribution I can in ways that support me.
• I contributed to creating my best life today when I…
• With focus, dedication, and commitment I contribute in unique ways and am creating what I want in my life.

This week I am swimming further and stronger than I was this time last year – that’s a sensible comparison! My goal is to continue building on my strengths and swim more regularly – that’s achievable! Our comparisons usually don’t make sense. My 1 mile time included driving from home to the pool, swimming, showering, and returning home! I know Michael doesn’t count the time it takes to wash HIS hair Seriously – there are always others contingencies to take into account when we compare ourselves to others. I can use comparison favorably to support myself when I compare where I am right now to where I want to be, and make a plan.

My goal: do my 64 lengths from leaving my desk to returning to my desk, (traffic lights and washing my hair included) in 1:15:00 or better. Doable. Worthy goal. I am capable of shaving 6 minutes and 23 seconds off my current best time with regular, committed practice. 
What doable worthy goal will you set for yourself? One of my mentors spoke about 1% better today than yesterday. We each can do that in some area of our lives, and that’s how your dreams are created. One small shift daily.

Each of us, being the best that we can makes this world a better place to be. And…congratulations to all of the Olympic athletes for committing to the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger”. What’s your motto? I’m considering “Healthier, Kinder and More Loving” for mine!