Mantra Posters for 2018. Here are inspirational mantras that have helped me with prioritizing life principles and practices. I revisit these every month to stay on track.
Take a poster, focus on practicing it for a month, and create behaviors that enable rather than limit. See the world with a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. Foster a perspective of abundance versus scarcity. Be curious. Be humble. Be better. Be brave. In 2018, have the courage to become the you you've always wanted to be. No one's stopping you.
PRESENCE OVER PRODUCTIVITY
Simply put, being present is being productive. Focus deeply on one thing at a time, rather than a million things at once. When our attention is channeled and present, we unlock our most productive mental states: flow, mindfulness, self-awareness, proprioception, and peace of mind.
PURPOSE OVER PASSION
They say the candle that burns twice as bright lasts half as long. To avoid untimely burnout, we must pace our passion with purpose. When we set our intentions according to our priorities, we can justify the intensity with a healthy balance. Thus giving us the opportunity to burn bright and twice as long.
FELLOWSHIP OVER MENTORSHIP
When we see our fellow humans as brothers and sisters, we see following as leading, studentship as leadership, and teamwork as dreamwork.
SUBSTANCE OVER STYLE
The beauty of running comes with the ugliness of the grind. Develop substance by embracing the struggle. You'll find your greatest strength in times of weakness. On game day, rise above your stylish gear, and rely upon your substance and grit, because in time, substance will become in-style.
DIRECTION OVER DESTINATION
Let's be realistic, the outcome of your race can be influenced by numerous things beyond your control, e.g., the weather, other runners, sleep the night before, etc., but how you perform is a direct reflection of how you train, of which you have full control over.
They call it process goals versus outcome goals. Instead of focusing on the outcome goal of the race, i.e., your goal time, focus on improving your technique (conduct a gait analysis and consult a run coach), your nutrition strategy (self-experiment on your long runs), your recovery protocols (research mobility and massage techniques), and your mindset. Set goals that will enhance the process of practice, and as a result, your destination on race day will reflect the direction of your training.
PEOPLE OVER POWER
“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
FUNCTION OVER FORM
Focus on attaining functional competency and integrity, then beauty and form will undoubtedly follow.
CALLING OVER COMPETITION
Climb the mountain not to be seen by the world, but to see the world. Hence, you will never face competitors, only companions.
LEGACY OVER CURRENCY
A legacy is built upon enlightened action: living what you love without compromise, leading by example without expectation, and leaving an impact without words. No money can match the memories you make. Take stock of the stories you author, and write the book you've always dreamt of reading.
BRAIN OVER BRAWN
The classic story of David and Goliath teaches us to think before taking action. By deploying strategy before strength, and using the mind before muscle, we are reminded that thinking can be the first action. Don't undermine the power of prioritizing thoughts and actions.
INTENTION OVER INTENSITY
Manage your intensity by prioritizing its impact with an intention. When we set a destination, a goal, or a purpose, we can better adjust the settings of how high, how fast, and how far. Run this weekend with the intention of learning, listening, and celebrating life. It's a privilege to have a choice over how and why. Run with gratitude.
GIVING OVER RECEIVING
Because giving is receiving.