Step into the Arena
Every Sunday, I send you something to THINK about, a question to ASK yourself, something to TRY and invite you to SHARE.
Feel that life is passing you by?
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THINK
“Find what you love and let it kill you.“
– Charles Bukowski
I’m currently on holiday for the next two weeks. I couldn’t face breaking my Newsletter habit, so I’m writing this week’s edition from the comfort of my mum’s front room before I head offline for a few days fishing.
I have less than 1/10 of the time to create it but I’m attempting to deliver 10x the impact for you. Ever the optimist! 😁
Last week, I was watching a sports documentary “We Are Newcastle United” on Amazon, and I was reminded of a beautiful message I want to share with you.
In 2023, Newcastle United made their first cup final in 24 years. It was a massive achievement for the club. Before kick-off, one of their homegrown players stood up and read out a famous speech to motivate the troops.
Whenever I hear this speech, it never fails to put goosebumps on my arms and raise the hair at the back of my neck. It does something to me.
It reminds me:
– Critics are cowards
– Create don’t criticise
– There’s nothing wrong with failure
– Keep daring greatly
I’ve pasted the full speech below but I think the impact is greater when you hear it, so I’ve provided a link to it on YouTube too (Full Speech).
The Man in the Arena
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
How do you spend your time? In the crowd or the arena?
Do you watch others and judge them? Or do you put yourself out there to be criticised?
The majority of people that criticise have never created anything in that field, and have no right to judgement.
The arena isn’t necessarily sport, TV or social media. It’s life:
– Pursuing weightloss or a fitness routine
– Creating content
– Starting a side business
– Investing
– Going for a promotion
– Being the best parent you can be
Pour your soul into something meaningful. Give it everything.
And when the blood, sweat and tears arrive, ignore the “timid souls” who sit and judge you on the sidelines. They’ll never know victory or defeat. Only regret.
Create don’t criticise.
Stop sitting in the stands. Dare greatly and step into the arena.
Reflect and share this with someone.
ASK
“What element of your life are you criticising and not creating?
“How could you step into the arena?”
Write down what comes to mind.
TRY
This week’s ‘Try’ has two elements, a thought exercise and an action.
1. Create Don’t Criticise
Spot when you’re about to criticise someone and stop yourself. Instead, ask, “Have I tried this thing I’m judging?“
If you haven’t, you have no right to judge. You have two choices:
Create a better alternative or remain quiet.
Don’t judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.
Imagine what a more pleasant world we’d live in if we all did this. 🧡
Commit to playing your part.
2. Step into the Arena this week
There’s an area of your life where you’re ‘talking not walking’.
You’ve thought about it. You’ve made excuses not to start, and years have passed.
When might (NOW) be a good time to start?
Stand up and take your first step into the arena this week.
HIT REPLY and tell me what you’ve done.
I read and reply to every email, and remember, I’m rooting for you.
Remember: Little by little, a little becomes a lot.
SHARE
Reply to this email and share how it went for you. Let me know if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.
SHARE this email with a ‘timid soul’.
SHARE this message with someone ‘in the arena’.
SHARE your victories and defeats with the rest of the world.
Lead from the front and inspire others to follow.
Have an awesome week!
Huw
