As my fighting career has slowed down a bit and I’m focusing on other things, I’ve become much more aware of what’s around me. For almost ten years, the only thing I saw in front of me was making it to/staying in the UFC. There was nothing else. I didn’t necessarily take things for granted or lose touch with friends and family, but it was the little things that all of a sudden have recently caught up with me. I’m now 34, have a few gray hairs, a few shoulder hairs, and I have a family. When did all that happen? At this rate, I’ll be 65 in no time.
Being 65, 75, or even 85 isn’t a bad thing at all. I look forward to those days…in due time. The important part of aging, though, is valuing and giving attention to what’s right in front of you. You have to stay focused on the goal or vision in your life. Revisit it. Make sure it makes sense. BUT, don’t ever lose touch of what really matters. The little things really are the big things.
And what will happen if you don’t slow down? You’ll be a lot older and will have spent a great deal of time on things that don’t necessarily matter. There’s perhaps no better example of this than the American Businessman and Mexican Fisherman. Do yourself a favor and take 5 minutes to read this parable. I guarantee it’ll make you sit back and say, “Hmph.”
Takeaway: Slow down, take inventory of what really matters, and trim the fat. Your family and friends will thank you. It’s a gradual process, but start now.
-Spaniard
About the author : cbrenneman
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Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!
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It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?
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I like this post. And the older you get, the faster time seems to move. I think it is important to keep asking: “Is this (whatever activity you are doing) the way I want to define myself. Is it the REAL definition of success?”
I’m OK with aging as long as I’m happy with what I’m doing in life. Sense of purpose is huge to me.