Josh O'Neill

1-2-3 Sundays: The Mind, Fiction & Trust

Josh O'Neill -

1 Theme

Going Slow

It's been a bit of a slog at times this week.

Being busy both professionally and personally has meant my focus has shifted from the big picture thinking to simply putting one foot in front of the other.

And that's okay.

You can't also go at 100 mph. You have to slow down and recognise what's going on in your life and how you can best direct your energy.  

2 Positive Outcomes

The Work Is Done

All the big 4-hour training runs are complete.

Yesterday I finished up with a tough run from Glengoyne Distillery to Rowardennan with my good friend Ryan McNairn who's running the West Highland Way in June.

We've both been doing the majority of our training ourselves so being with someone was refreshing.

There were times we both benefitted from having each other there to help go through the pain cave.

It was also the first time dealing with any sort of heat in the training process. Because I've been running during March and early April it's been cloudy most days but still fairly cool - it got hot yesterday towards the end especially when you're exposed going along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

Cold Water Therapy

To top the run off we jumped into Loch Lomond afterwards.

It was pretty cold but the body needed it after such a taxing run.

I'm glad I did too. It eased my muscles and left me feeling in a much better state when I got home.

Pre-run also involved some cold water too. On Friday night I visited the new Soul Suites in East Kilbride for the infrared sauna and cold water tank.

The state change from hot to cold leaves you feeling energised and recovered.

3 Things I've Learned

Not Trusting Yourself To Commit

When it comes to big life choices and changes this is the biggest obstacle standing in people's way.

It comes from a variety of sources. Here are a few examples:

  • Past experiences
  • Fixed vs Growth mindset
  • Fear of the unknown
  • Fear of failure

Despite having an idea in mind about what you want to achieve one or more of the above can stand in your way from trusting yourself to go all in.

If you've tried before and it didn't quite work out then there's going to be part of you with doubt over whether it'll work this time.

That's natural however confronting these fears and listing out all the reasons you will make it work can help develop the level of trust.  

The Mind Is Your Greatest Friend And Enemy

I was buzzing about going on the run with Ryan.

30 kilometres in, not so much.

This is the trick your mind can play on you.

At times, it's our biggest ally. It gives you the motivation and drive to push towards a goal.

Conversely, it tells us to quit when the discomfort levels rise and it stays to get hard.

Ultimately, it comes down to you whether you choose to listen to the wee voice in your head.

You decide who wins.

Fiction Before Bed

I've been struggling to maintain reading this year.

In the evenings I don't feel like picking up a non-fiction book because I don't find it relaxing.

Instead, getting a fiction book is much better.

It's way easier to develop the habit of reading this way and sets you up a good night's sleep.

I've started the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. It's my first dive into the fantasy world since most novels I read are either thrillers or science fiction.

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