Message To Self

When an agama lizard falls from a height, he will usually look to the right and to the left - to see if there are applauses for him for surviving, unscathed, such a potentially maiming fall. And usually, there is no applause. What then does the agama do? He gives himself a nod of 'my guy, na man you be' approval. Whether or not he has an audience to appreciate his feat, he acknowledges his own efforts.

But many people cannot relate to this. No matter how high the jump is, no matter how graceful the landing is, it is never enough. There is always one more hurdle to cross, a few more things to achieve, a number of stones left to turn. We get so lost in the pursuit, we forget to acknowledge the work we put in to get to where we are.

"But I can see other agamas scaling even higher highs." True. But how certain are you that you will commend yourself then if you have not commended yourself now.

When you overcome a challenge, or accomplish a task, it is necessary to reward yourself so you can train your brain to keep going even when it feels like giving up. The prospect of a reward at the end of the task will be a motivator. When you acknowledge your own efforts and reward yourself, it stimulates the brain to produce dopamine - a hormone that makes us feel good and elated. The hormone also acts as a stress reliever and helps with mental clarity.

Celebrate little wins. It is important that you do. It constantly reminds you of where you need to be better; and keeps the picture of the bigger goal fresh in your mind.

Each race you win, celebrate it as hard as the previous ones. Know that you have bettered the person you were yesterday. Know that the work you put in has paid off. Know that you need to enjoy the victory first, before entertaining the thoughts about the next race. It keeps you refreshed and sharpens your focus.

In many races in life, not all who start the race get to see the finish line. Some start really strong and seemingly determined but they fizzle out somewhere along the way. For those who will breast the tape, what will keep them going apart from determination is consistency.

Consistency is showing up every day. Consistency is also showing up at regular intervals. Commitment is giving it all you have. Commitment is also giving it all you can afford.

Excellence is perfection. Excellence is also progress. Perfection is never achieved but progress is a continuous journey of improvement, evolution, growth and self-discovery.

You will feel overwhelmed. You will grow tired. You will cast doubts on your own determination and abilities. You will wish it was easier. The worst thing you can do to yourself is to think you are not fit for the race. When the thought comes, take a little break, look back and appreciate how far you have come. Be impressed by how much work you have put in. Give yourself that pat on the back and make yourself feel good even if it is just for a bit. That rush of dopamine will help you get back on track and face the challenge again.

Don't get me wrong. Complacency is not what I am celebrating. It has been the killer of many dreams and crusher of many aspirations. Many times, we feel we have "arrived" and we stop trying to do more and be more. We stop aspiring and we stop dreaming.

The message is not for you to dwell on your wins and get carried away in the ecstasy of current achievements. The message is better put in the words of an American writer and publisher, Mark Twain:

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”

That is the message.

Image credit: @melodie_tld