My daughter gave me a painting she did on canvas with these words on it when she was younger, and from then on it has been forever on my mind. Maybe it’s the fact that I still have it up on the bookshelf in the living room…but either way, it seems so relevant right now. Most of us have been affected in one way or another due to the pandemic and the ride isn’t over yet, but we should all find a way to “grow through what we go through” here. The time will pass anyways, so we may as well be getting better at something!
It took me some time to put this together because I realized along the way, that I actually struggle pretty hard with growth. Historically, it hasn’t been my strong suit. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve grown plenty over the years, it’s just not easy for me like it seems to be for many of the awesome people I know.
It often takes me several times of making the same mistake, before I’m able to make a correction, or several times of reading/looking at the same material before it clicks. In the past, I’ve used it as an excuse to not focus on growth, but I’m lucky because I’m surrounded by such intelligent, kind, and strong people at Easton that never let me sit still and keep me moving forward.
Here are some things that I am giving a first look at, as well as some that I’m trying to make a second or third pass at. They are all things that I really believe will help me grow, so I’m committed to actually learning and implementing them…no matter how long it takes me.
I know that I have to get outside of my comfort zone to grow, and each of these things is about challenging myself…to do something new or to gain new or more perspective. It isn’t a long list, because I have a tendency to take on too much and not deliver on any of it when I stretch myself too thin. I aim to gain something from each of these things, so I’ll have to stay focused. Wish me luck, and send me ideas or suggestions if you have any! I’d love to hear them!
Meditation – Trying my best to be present
We all struggle with this to some degree, but focusing on it has been very helpful for me. I am still relatively new to it, but when I manage to do it consistently, I really feel the benefits. It’s as if I’m prepared for whatever the day brings.
Sam Harris’s Waking Up app as well as the Calm App are the best resources that I’ve personally found. Give it a shot! You might Like it.
Reading/Listening To Podcasts
Here are some books that are new to me, as well as some old favorites that I often re-read for inspiration or guidance.
The Last Lecture – Randy Pausch
Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink
Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
I also enjoy a few podcasts when I have the time.
Joe Rogan, Jocko Willink, and Sam Harris all have podcasts that I listen to from time to time.
Getting Outside
While I do love living in the beautiful state of Colorado, I’d say I had my fill of hiking in the military. For me, this one is more about riding my bike, or jumping rope in front of my house.
I am looking to increase the amount of time I’m spending in nature, if only to get away from the fixed mindset that I tend to have around it some times. I know that doing so will only help keep me grounded.
Stretching/Mobility Work
I’ve been able to put a lot more focus in this area lately and the results have been amazing! With just a little effort, I’ve been able to make huge gains in my mobility and flexibility. It’s the consistency, and the help that has been the difference. I’m using one app and one website to assist me on this piece.
Alo Moves App – Also has a website. Has everything from yoga, to strength based classes, etc. $20/Month
Gymnasticbodies.com – Website for building athletic strength, mobility, and flexibility. $179/year or $30/month.
Martial Arts
Focusing on coaching so much over the past few years has meant a little bit of a lag when it came to my own personal journey with martial arts.
I’ve been able to really enjoy focusing on my own personal understanding and growth as a martial artists, and I look forward to sharing with others the things I’m learning. Here are a few places that I’ve been drawing inspiration from lately.
Jiu Jitsu
JT Torres’s Essential BJJ website
John Danaher – all of his instructional really
Gordon Ryan
Lachlan Giles
Muay Thai
There aren’t many instructionals that I’ve seen for MT that I just love…yet. Not saying they aren’t out there. I just haven’t found them. That’s ok though; I’m blessed to be inspired by our Easton MT staff who include people like Sean Madden, JD Hardwick, Dan Wilson and Danny Chacon. They are some of the hardest working people I’ve seen at their craft.
