Phase 3 – Focused on the present
What I have learned in the last 6 years is that the only thing that I need to focus on is now, today. Each moment is a chance to make the right choice, move one step closer to my life’s mission. I have a vivid and clear picture in my mind of what that is, and I work towards it everyday. I am far from the end, really just at the start, but I hold the picture of my best self, fulfilling my mission, in my mind. I know if I focus on the right things daily and commit myself to acting on them, I will get a little closer to my personal version of success.
Start with Controlling the Controllable
The best advise that I can give someone struggling to figure out what is next in their life is to focus on now. The long-term will become clearer over time. All we can do today is start with the couple of things we have control over. Do them well and make sure those things get done daily. For me, that started with working out. I could go to the gym, move my body, and then make the next right choice.
Make One Change that Opens You Up to More
As we progress on the path of self-mastery, we can focus on sleeping, eating well, working out, and filling our mind with positive content. For example, we can use tools to defend against negative thoughts – a simple mantra that highlights a positive so that when negative thoughts are creeping in, we can change the script. As we improve in one area, our mind, body, and spirit become ready to take on the next step. With gratitude, vision, and commitment to the process, the only limit to your potential is you.
We are Always in Process
What I love about the journey of self mastery is that it will never be obtained fully because we can always be better. We are never done with our journey and we can always have impact on one more person. As we begin to feel the pull to purpose, our daily habits bring us toward the potential of fulfilling it; your own personal greatness as defined by you.
Self-Mastery in Family
When we begin to walk through self-mastery in the setting of family, it is important to ask for support. It was a gift that as I went through hard times, my wife was a total team player. When things got tough and uncomfortable, she was loyal and loving. Our marriage became a foundation for which everything else could be built. And when I decided to change my life around, she was right there. I may not have had teammates on the ice anymore, but I had real teammates all around me. Real teammates that were there to tell me the truth. The people that were helping me move closer to my next real career. The people that mentored me and taught me about business. My family, wife, kids, and friends. These are the people that will always be there and were there when I needed them most.
Embrace What the Transition Teaches
I had three different jobs before I finally got to where I am today. Be okay with the transitions that lead to the next chapter. Each job offered lessons on life and business that propelled me forward. The people surrounding me knew I was more than a former athlete and pushed me to find it.
My transition away from playing hockey could have been shorter and smoother. There were bumps in the road that turned into mountains. But with that experience, I launched into a purpose-driven existence that wasn’t there before. The fame, money, and accolade of professional sport have nothing on what I have now. When we visualize the person we want to be and begin to align our daily habits with achieving that vision, the whole game changes.
Jake Taylor
Jake is a husband and dad of two. He thrives on physical challenges, is an avid reader, is committed to seeking full human potential, is a man of deep faith, and strives to serve others. He is a CrossFit-L1 Trainer.
