I have so many things I want to be great at. Family, restaurants, friends, races, coaching, writing, music. Jesus Christ. What am I thinking? There’s a zero percent chance all of these can be great at once.

In 2008 or 2009 I had reconnected with a high school friend, and current business partner, Craig Sweeney, who had started putting on races with us. He and his wife and I sat down and were talking about what we were doing and Mignon asked me which one of the things I wanted to do and my answer was simple. “I want it all.”

Some days I catch myself thinking that A small part of me thinks that wanting it all and having it all are not feasible. The next moment I think. “Eff that. No one gets to decide that but you.” If that’s what you want. Then figure it out or be okay with mediocrity at some of the things.

I understand it’s a matter of time in some respects, but there’s a difference between “being the best athlete you can be” and “being the best athlete in your age group, across all ages and of all time.” I’m okay with just being my best. Which if I do makes me competitive, IF I am doing the work.

Just wanting to be better is like wishing for a better job or relationship. Wishes are worth nothing. If you really want something you have to freaking do all the things to make it happen or you can’t complain about the outcome. That’s where I am. I’m always going to want it. But do I have the time and commitment to do it all?

Part of me almost ended that sentence with “of course I don’t.” But again. Who gets to decide? I do. If I want to go without sleep or get up at 4 am to try and get what I want, then that’s my choice, and until I’ve pushed to the limit of what I think I’m possible of, I’m never cashing in.

Because here’s the deal. I’m not doing all the things I need to do to be great at the things I’ve chosen. You probably aren’t either. So before you decide you don’t have the time to do something you want. Check in on what you are doing with your time and adjust your wants accordingly.

#hugsandhi5s