On this episode, James and Megan wrap up the Challenge Accepted series. They’ve discussed what you need to do to set up your challenge, and the last episode was pretty intense in terms of doing the work. This episode will be lighter as we figure out how to enjoy the journey.
Today’s Kryptonite: Finding Fun on the Way to Wally World
Why is the journey as important if not more so than the destination?:
- Much like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Vacation, we are on a quest. And when you’re on a quest, you don’t let anything stop you.
- But when you look back, you see how boring the story is if you just go from Point A to Point B: Clark took a road trip from Chicago to California and visited Wally World. Boring!
- Life is made up of journeys, not destinations. We boil it down to destinations in history books and obituaries, but real stories from real people are all about the journey.
- It’s time to have some fun even if we’re doing something difficult.
What happens on the journey?:
- Easy Sailing & Coasting – Yes, some days it will be enough to just show up. Everything you touch will turn to gold and you’ll be the life of the party. But those days aren’t where great stories are made. And they’ll be rare. If they aren’t rare, you’re not trying hard enough.
- Conflict, Setbacks, & Being Overwhelmed – Some days will feel like you’re going backwards and failing. Some days you are failing! But if the destination is worth it, and you’ve turned pro, you get up the next day and keep going.
- Resolutions, Advancing, & Overcoming – This is where the story gets a heartbeat! Without the tension of a challenge, your story has no flavor.
How can you wake up to the moments of the journey?:
- This is the ultimate challenge. Clark Griswold didn’t realize the beauty of his journey until it was over.
- It’s hard for most people to live in the present. The past is stable and sticky, and the future is bright and shiny. We can be so focused on checking something off of our list that we missed all the fun to be had in the process.
- Find a way to bring yourself into the present, especially on the outset of each stage of your journey. Say a prayer, create a mantra, or commit to reminding others and having them remind you.
- Keep a journal and don’t just cross things off or check the box. Capture the story of each of the challenges on your list. After doing a few you’ll be more aware in the moment so you can write them down when you cross the finish line.
Action Steps:
- Assess whether you are a Past, Present, or Future oriented person. Ask those around you if you’re not sure (or to confirm the validity of your assessment).
- We need Past, Present and Future as a part of the journey…but find a mechanism to be Present along the way (prayer, mantra, partner reminders, etc.).
- Capture the story. Write in a journal or on a blog. Focus on the details…the pain, the joy, and everything in-between.
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