What’s Done in the Dark
When runners step to the start line, their hearts racing and minds and muscles filled with anticipation, they experience ebullience like almost no other experience can provide in this life. As spectators, all we see is the result: the winner and the top two runners-up. But what we rarely have an opportunity to see is the time, ebb and flow of emotions, sweat, planning, meal plans, and even warm-up routines of these athletes.
But the preparation is what makes track and field such an intriguing sport. As spectators, we witness the fruits of their labor for 10 seconds or 30 minutes at a time (depending on which event you’re watching). All the minute, religiously executed details when no fans are watching will show when it matters most. Even then, a runner must come to the start line with all their preparation and not become overwhelmed by the moment. They must maintain the psychological fortitude to revel in the moment and allow those brief moments before “runners take your mark” and “set” to flood their veins and minds with determination and confidence.
Football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, golf, and all the other major sports allow room for luck or an opportunity to overcome an error. An opponent can miss a tackle, shot, catch, or putt; the whole team can benefit from that error. One person can make a mistake in track, but runners are still left battling the other seven or more opponents, requiring their undivided and unrelenting focus. Track & field is all about the preparation and the moment. Preparation in the dark will come to life under the lights.
The same can be true for all of us, too. What are we doing in the moments when no one is watching? How are we preparing for our opportunities when there’s nothing in the immediate future to gain? How does our preparation in the dark reveal who we are?
When I’m experiencing depression or overall discontent, usually it’s because I’ve lost focus on the opportunity in front of me or I fail to prepare for my chance correctly. That means I didn’t come to the start line (the beginning of my day) with the right mindset or lost focus when the gun went off and allowed myself to become overwhelmed by the moment.
Whatever the situation, use every moment today and the rest of your week as opportunities to train for the people we are becoming. That might mean logging off social media for a day or a few hours, getting an extra hour of sleep, saying no to a snack or drink, saying yes to fruits and vegetables, or finishing that project you’ve been procrastinating to finish. It’s all preparation for who we are becoming and what we want to see in our world.
If you have any unique ways you prepare for your “race” everyday or want to publicly resolve to prepare please comment below!
