One my favorite words, arete, has no true English equivalent. It’s a Greek word whose meaning is close to “virtue” and whose definition is “what I can be, I must be.” It speaks to a desire to realize our potential, to become the best possible version of ourselves.
And who doesn’t want that? But that’s the wrong question. The right question is, who is willing to do the things it takes to become that person?
Where you at?
At this point, my family and I have been sheltering in place for 9 weeks and it’s been a unique experience, as I’m confident it’s been for everyone. The quarantine has me asking questions about my priorities as well as my physical, mental and financial resilience. How’s my immune system? How’s my mental and emotional state? Do we have enough money saved?
I’ve been thinking about how I’m stepping up and showing up, and becoming the person I think other people need. I’ve been thinking about the things I need to do in order to more fully become that person.
So, is your current version of you the version you want to be? Have you asked yourself these questions?
Who do you want to be? Do you know how to do what you need to do in order to make it happen? Are you afraid to do it?
Yes? Ok, let’s make it real.
What will you do? What day will you do it? What time? How long? What specific things? What do you normally do during that time?
For each of your goals, apply those questions. You want to lose 10 pounds-
What will you do? Exercise four times a week.
What days? Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
What time? 7am.
How long? One hour.
What specific things? Weights and cardio.
What do you normally do during those times? Get ready for work or spend time with family.
That sounds like it could be a conflict. How can you arrange your schedule to accommodate everything?
You get the idea.
I believe you have what it takes to become the best possible version of yourself. To become the version of yourself that you most want to be. Now make it happen!