Focus on what you CAN do
This weekend, I sprained my back.
I’ve been training for a big hiking challenge scheduled for early next year, and I’ve had a bit of a niggle recently. I’ve been working to get it sorted, but had a bit of a setback.
I went for a training hike in South Wales. Everything went fine — no issues with my back, and I had a great time, even bringing the dog along. The weather was a bit rubbish, but it didn’t dampen the experience.
The next morning, however, things took a turn.
After waking up and having a shower, I coughed gently, and suddenly my lower back gave out. I fell to the floor in pain.
Pushing on
Despite the discomfort, I’ve had to keep going.
Over the past few days, I’ve been limping along, doing what I can.
This is key when dealing with setbacks: you might not be able to stick to your original plan, but it’s important to focus on what you can do instead of worrying about what you can’t.
On Sunday, I had a gym session planned, and I decided to go. Of course, I wasn’t trying for a personal best on the back squat, but I did what I could.
I realised it’s about maintaining the habit, keeping the momentum, and making small gains. Little progress is better than no progress at all.
Setbacks Are Inevitable
This mindset doesn’t just apply to fitness — it’s relevant to life in general. Whether it’s your business, career, or personal goals, setbacks are inevitable.
- You might lose a client you thought you had in the bag.
- A promising hire might take another role.
- The big project you’ve been working on might fall apart because of external factors beyond your control.
Things won’t always go to plan, but the key is to focus on what you can do and build the habit of discipline.
The Power of Discipline
Sometimes, you won’t feel like doing what needs to be done.
You might not feel like going to work, hitting the gym, or attending that meeting. But by showing up, you keep the habit alive and maximise opportunities.
This helps you mentally — it’s a way to keep driving forward. It’s the tough moments that teach us who we really are, so lean into them.
Doing the Hard Things
On particularly challenging days, I push myself further by asking: What’s the worst thing I could do today?
What’s the task I least want to tackle? Then I make myself do it.
Whether it’s…
- going out for a bike ride in cold, wet weather
- completing my tax return
- or following up with a client I suspect will waste my time
…I just get it done.
The results can surprise you.
Braving awful weather proves to yourself that you can endure. That client you thought would be a waste of time might end up being valuable.
These outcomes wouldn’t have been possible if you hadn’t tried.
Focus on What You Can Do
I know this sounds like a stereotypical motivational post, but it’s true:
Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.
Take small steps every day in the right direction.
The cheesy quote I’ll leave you with is this:
You miss 100% of the swings you don’t take.
If you needed a reminder like this today, I hope it was timely.
