One Apple A Day #992 - what I love
I'm watching the Olympics these days.
I admit I get emotional anytime I see the athletes at the end of a race, match or competition—the ones celebrating their success and the ones experiencing the weight of failure.
I can't help but think of the long and challenging journey they all have been through to be there. Years of training, sacrifices, fun and pain, renounce, highs and lows.
And then it all goes down to one single event. Even worst. A few centimetres or hundredths of a second dividing the one who will have a medal to bring home from the ones who will walk away empty-handed.
I read stories of athletes in different disciplines who crumbled under such pressure. Both winners and losers.
You can see the stress in their eyes and movement when they prepare for their effort. But there are also many athletes who are there for the love of what they do. They love their sport or discipline so much that being there and having the opportunity to compete and give their best is already a success. They are the ones who enjoy the whole journey. The ones who have long careers because it is not about winning is about doing what they love. The ones who, in the end, also get the results.
These days I'm also reflecting on my next moves, planning the second part of the year. And watching these athletes, I've decided that instead of starting from the goals that I want to achieve, I will begin by defining what I love. The things I'd do no matter the results. Let's see what happens.