Opportunity - #1.5
Every day
Recently, my wife and I lost a friend to cancer. Eight months ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite the terminal prognosis, she fought relentlessly, seeking out specialists and clinical trials across the country. Though there were moments of hope, the cancer proved relentless.
Throughout it all, she lived each day to the fullest. Coaching her kids in sports, active in their schools and church, and even traveling to the Grand Canyon and Europe as a family. Every day was an opportunity for her to embrace life fully, never taking a single moment for granted.
Get to, not have to
This story reflects back to an experience from my college swimming days at TCU.
During practice one day, feeling worn down and uninspired, I gave minimal effort. Coach then organized a race, where my girlfriend (and future wife), ended up beating me. Disappointed, Coach pulled me aside and said, "You don't have to be here, you get to be here." Then dismissing me from practice for the day.
Those words stuck with me.
You get to, you don’t have to.
Every day and every challenge is a new opportunity. When faced with difficulties, it's easy to slip into a "have to" mindset. But remember, you've worked hard to be where you are. Embrace the opportunity.
Additional Resources and Thoughts:
Book: "The Obstacle is the Way – The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage" by Ryan Holiday
Podcast: "Huberman Lab – Dr. David Yeager: How to Master Growth Mindset to Improve Performance" Listen Here
Directly relates to the first newsletter with further discussions on Dr. Dweck’s growth mindset.
Stoicism of the day: “Let us therefore set out whole-heartedly, leaving aside our many distractions and exert ourselves in this single purpose, before we realize too late the swift and unstoppable flight of time and are left behind. As each day arises, welcome it as the very best day all, and make it your own possession. We must seize what flees” – Seneca, Moral Letters, 18.27b-28a
Remember, you only have one today. Don’t waste it. As the wise Oogway once said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift... that's why it is called the present.”