Why do we never see ourselves as others see us?
Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to accept a compliment, especially after achieving something extraordinary?
Having watched the Olympic games with all the highs and lows it was just amazing. Their journey to perfect their craft a journey of determination, dedication and effort that brings physical and mental challenges, none more than the emotion of finishing fourth in the Olympic Games—an incredible feat by any standard. Yet, many athletes feel disappointment rather than pride. Why do we struggle to acknowledge our achievements, even when we've clearly outdone ourselves?
The way we perceive ourselves often differs significantly from how others see us, and it affects us all even our Olympic superheroes.
Most of the time regardless of our position in life we measure our success against others. In a competitive environment like the Olympics, finishing fourth can feel like a failure compared to winning a medal, despite it being a monumental achievement. But for our superheroes while the initial heartbreak is raw their resilience in the face of disappointment is nothing short of inspirational.
Their performances serve as beacons of inspiration, inspiring a spark in others to strive to be the best they can be in their set goals.
For our Olympic superheroes and many of us who will never win an Olympic medal the drive to be the best we can be leaves a mark on us far beyond the shine of any medal.
Setting Realistic Goals and Embracing Progress
For us mere mortals and even Olympic superheroes it's essential to set realistic goals and recognise the value of our efforts, even if we don't achieve our ultimate objective.
I won many trophies and medals in my sporting life but for many of them I never took time to celebrate success. Only after I suffered mental exhaustion working 84 hours a week did I change my life to be more in the present, In my marathon and Ultra marathon running I set personal goals such as achieving a specific distance or a personal best time. This allowed me to focus to improve my running rather than comparing myself to others. I took some time to acknowledge and celebrate smaller wins on the way to my larger goal of running ultra marathons. This kept me motivated along the way.
I regularly reflected on my progress, this can help you appreciate your progress and keep the bigger picture in mind.
Disappointment is natural when we fall short of our goals, but it's so important not to let it overshadow our achievements. Understanding and addressing the psychological factors that influence our self-perception can help us appreciate our efforts and successes more fully.
Remember, achieving greatness often involves overcoming internal barriers as much as external ones. Embrace your journey, celebrate your progress, and never underestimate your achievements.
Believe in yourself
If you wish to know more about my journey to suffering Mental exhaustion and my recovery then read my book The Bulletproof Banker available on Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/gkxeZXN
If you wish to know more about my Career coaching and Stress coaching check out my website bjkennomotivation.com.
#Achievement #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Goals #Motivation #Psychology
