It’s Never Too Late
by Hollye Robinson, MS, LAT, ATC
They say, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” right? So, how tough and gritty are we when it comes to learning new things? What can we do to combat complacency? How are we fighting fears that will finagle us from becoming the best version of ourselves? Fear has a way of killing dreams, desires, hopes, and self-improvements that were never meant to die. With the right mix of passion and persistence, our goals are within reach, because guess what?? It is never too late to get started!
Reclaiming The Vision
We’ve all had a vision of who or what we wanted to be as a kid. A paleontologist like Alan Grant? An ace fighter pilot like Maverick? Or a wizard or witch from Hufflepuff? I joke, but maybe it reminds us of the real-life aspirations that slipped through the cracks. Finishing a college degree? Learning a new language? Starting your own business or side hustle?
As time passes by and as life victories, challenges, and realities molded us into the adults we are today, we’ve lost some of that vision. We get to the point where we’ve felt as though we have reached our peak performance and lay complacently with the thought that, “it’s too late to change now.” Well, I am here to tell you that it’s never too late. Here are some steps that can help us turn that tardy thought process into one that can take us out of our comfort zone and launch us into greatness.
Plan It Out
- Make a list of a new skillset or career that you’ve always wanted to pursue
- Do your research.
- Define what the purpose of this new skillset, or career will have in your life
- Determine and write down 5-7 big goals that need to be accomplished in order to complete the skill set or enter into the new career field
- Break down the larger goals into smaller, actionable steps.
- Set a timeframe to which these goals need to be completed.
- Anticipate potential obstacles and outline solutions for each. (Remember: every problem needs a corresponding solution!)
Principles To Propel
As we move forward in our pursuit of new dreams and visions, it’s crucial to keep a few guiding principles in mind. Use these as daily mottos or mantras, if you need.
- It is NEVER too late, no matter where you are in life.
- Time is on our side more than we realize. Focus on conquering each day until we’ve conquered our dream.
- The odds of survival CAN outweigh the odds of failure.
- Simplify the complicated.
- The glass is always half full, fill the empty spaces with hope and faith.
Grit For The Industrial Athlete
In our role as Injury Prevention Specialists, we often hear from our industrial athletes, “Oh, I’ve been this way for years,” as an excuse to stay complacent. Instead, let’s motivate each other to step outside of our comfort zones and try something new. We can start with little things like stretching more often, participating in pre-stretch warm ups, and using Work Right’s PREPARED checklist to become the best versions of ourselves.
Whether it’s wanting to be more active, discovering a new hobby, or considering a new position or career, the grit inside us can take us all the way across the goal line. Ask yourself, “How bad do I want it?”
Hollye Robinson, MS, LAT, ATC|| Hollye graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s in Health and Human Performances with a concentration in Exercise Sports Science, followed by obtaining her Master’s in Athletic Training degree from Mercer University. After nearly 4 years in the traditional setting, Hollye has transitioned to the industrial setting with Work Right. Her hobbies include baking, going to the gym, bike riding, traveling, and trying new things. Why? Because it is never too late!
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!