The mind is like a vast garden, and our thoughts are the well-trodden paths that weave throughout it. Some paths are well-established, while others are just emerging, and still, others have been left to wither away. These paths represent our habits, behaviours, and thought patterns.
Imagine the well-trodden paths as those that are easy to follow because they offer less resistance and are more comfortable to navigate. However, just because a path is well-trodden does not guarantee it leads to a positive destination. It could be a path of negativity, self-doubt, or unproductive behaviours.
Now, consider the possibility of forging a new path – one that leads to better habits, thoughts, and behaviours. Just as a gardener clears away weeds and debris to create a new pathway, so too can we reshape our neural pathways by choosing to think differently.
With persistence and intention, the new path grows more distinct, while the old, destructive path becomes overgrown and less accessible. The key is to consciously forge our paths that align with our desired outcomes and work diligently to strengthen and maintain them.
So, take a moment to reflect on the paths in your mind’s garden. Are they well-trodden with healthy habits, behaviours, and thoughts? If not, it’s time to pick up your mental gardening tools and start carving out a new path that leads to a brighter future.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Therefore excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Aristotle
According to Aristotle, excellence is not a one-time act, but rather the result of consistent and intentional behaviour.
What path are you forging next?
STAYING IN TOUCH
Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 more ways you can consume SportMind content to help you train your mind:
- Check out the SportMind podcast. And this is my FAVOURITE episode to date
- Get your coach in your pocket by downloading the SportMind App on Apple or Android
- What to fast-track your success? Book in some 1:1 time with Jesse today to get to the heart of the problem
