Can doing what’s best for the long run ever take from the present potential?

Our capacity to anticipate a future grants us the opportunity to use our time with more of an abundance mentality rather than trying to do everything all in one day.

I’ve been thinking though, if there was no knowledge of the future would we live more presently, more freely of boundaries or restrictions, more daringly?

Or would we expel so much energy in the effort to make the most of a single day that we could not possibly sustain this type of expenditure for the years that may come?

I always tout the power of longevity in what we do. I often share that athletes must do what can be done repeatedly for years with enjoyment, to have longevity in their career.

But can doing what’s best for the long run ever take from the present potential?

I’m not sure. I’d argue in some cases, yes, because if today you put all your eggs in one basket under the assumption it was all that mattered & would ever matter then you’d likely make some major strides.

Rather than if you said I will put my eggs across these different baskets of my life today, gaining some sense of fulfillment and achievement in all of them but not reaching full potential in each one.

To then I might argue, what is “full potential” & what would it look like to reach that every day?

Potential is that moment right before something takes off.

The pen open in someone’s hand just before it touches the page, the hammer lining up to the nail, the key in the lock, the heel right before it hits the stage….

But I’ve noticed that People try to emulate successful people’s habits or moves but don’t ask how that person developed the endurance to sustain all these habits & behaviors long term which is more meaningful insight than the habits themselves.

If you want a result, the mentality of being your best today & improving each day by testing your limits is far more beneficial than the “all in” “gung-ho” mentality that will likely only feel good for a short period of time before implosion.

Meet yourself where YOU are at, capitalize on the potential you truly have today (dependent on many variables), & prioritize OPTIMIZATION so that each day can be fulfilling & worthwhile without stealing from the mission of tomorrow.

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