The other day, my friend sent me a text of a quote he saw online. It got my attention and caused me to jump off the couch and interrupt my “Monkey Magic” binge session on Netflix.
The quote was, “Don’t burn your opportunities for temporary comfort.” It hit me like a Pacquiao four-punch combination. I realised that June was going to roll in in a few days, and we will hit the halfway point of 2021.
While I was muttering to myself, I received another notification on my phone. The state government announced that Victoria was entering another lockdown due to a rise in COVID community transmissions. This is the fourth time we go into lockdown, and thinking about the Victorian citizens, we have become used to this and have a sense of déjà vu.
Upon hearing the news, I recited my usual monologue about who is or who is not doing what is required to suppress the pandemic. It was a rant of someone with first-world problems, and halfway through my internal whinge session, I changed my state; I stopped myself and looked at that quote again. I asked myself, “Have I burned my opportunities for temporary comfort?” Yes, the lockdown did change my patterns, my work cadence and work output. I have been productive and produced results, but at the same time, I know I have been on cruise control in the past few months. I got comfortable and deep inside, and I knew I could take it up to the next gear.
It is the halfway point of the year. We have approximately six months left; in sporting terms, it’s only halftime. If you are behind, there is still time to win this; you can still turn things around so do not get discouraged. Pick yourself up and get to it. Comfort is temporary, and so are our opportunities. Just like a carton of milk, they have a short period. The current lockdown in Victoria can go beyond seven days. Utilise this time to tick off what is on your list. You have had four attempts at it; try it again, and don’t stop until you get it.
I know that times are hard for everyone. You are reading this now, and I hope that you are safe. Some things have been postponed due to something COVID-related; this has put extra obstacles in front of you. This experience has placed you in uncompromising situations and has forced you to get uncomfortable. I want to provide you with some encouragement and remind you that you still have time, and it is time to make the days count from now until the end of 2021. Please do not get too comfortable; we still have work to do, we still have opportunities, we still have time to seize them and make them happen.
Until next time STAY FOCUSED!
(For comments or feedback, email thadmangalino@gmail.com)
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