Professional Development

In our recent time as AnythingOnce Bloggers and Followers, our focus has usually been directed toward several things. Teamwork, guidance, self-improvement, reflection, and knowledge - seems to work in some sort of cycle. We do physical activities (marathons, triathalons, fun-runs, WODs) as an excuse to subliminally execute all of the terms referenced above.

We may not know consciously we are doing these things, but, in essence we are. We critique our form, and each others' form. We look at, and are conscious of the things we put in our mouths to fuel our bodies. We read documents and watch videos outlining form, diet, programs, coaching, etc. Teamwork, guidance, self-improvement, reflection, knowledge. These are staples of AnythingOnce.

As I sit here at my desk on Friday afternoon, I look around and feel really good about the moment. It is special. The sun is shining and it is wonderful outside...After this post I'm going to soak up the sun for a nice long weekend to prepare for Murphy Monday. Where I'm going with this post is somewhere far from the physical activity connection we come to the AnythingOnce blog for. I'm going to a place of motivation. Our dear Valerie is one who constantly motivates one another though this blog. For that, we thank her and it is my turn to supplement her efforts.

Where are we going? What are we doing to prepare? Physically, we practice good habits to live longer and hopefully healthier lives and it translates to a better mental health as well. Mind-body connection, anyone?

Professionally, we all must be focused on where we are going. Time does not stand still. It never will. Change is inevitable. We have heard these sayings and many like them time and time again. Where are you going? What changes are you going to make? What are your intentions? If you just answered these questions in your mind, then ask yourself another... What steps are you taking to get there?

Pick up a book and immerse yourself in the topic. There is more information in this world than any single person can master. I have found that if you are genuinely interested in a topic, more of the same topic seems to flow your way. You read one book, and there are at least three references to other books on the same topic. The world has a weird sense or aligning things in your favor if your intentions are focused in that general direction.

Once you are focused, the gears turn...Fast. Ideas start flowing. You start asking yourself questions and searching deeply to find answers. You are tested. You are tested by others but ultimately, yourself. YOU are the battle inside your own self.

Am I happy where I'm at? Yes, currently. Do I expect more from myself? Yes, certainly. The more you give, the more you take, then the more you give. The opportunity opens and the crack in the door is small, but just big enough for you to fit before the wind blows it shut.

Turn off the TV, shut off your iPod. Focus on TEAMWORK because you can't do it alone. Focus on GUIDANCE - to guide and be guided because two heads are better than one. Focus on SELF-IMPROVEMENT because no one else will do it for you. Focus on REFLECTION to dig deep into your soul. Focus on KNOWLEDGE to progress further into EXCELLENCE.

See ya'll MONDAY. I'm hurtin' for a Murphin'.