​

How Back Surgery Taught Me The Value Of Tiny Victories

I had back surgery two weeks ago and I thought I’d be better by now.

I guess I had unrealistic expectations.

But that’s how I am. I want everything now.

I figure if I just work really hard, it’ll just happen ASAP.

But rehab has taught me that it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes you have to just be patient and just focus on the small goals.

It’s all about continuous improvement. I have a tattoo of the word ‘Kaizen’ on my arm. It’s a Japanese manufacturing term that means ‘continuous improvement.’

And that’s what my whole philosophy is: Getting a little bit better every day.

It’s funny. I used to run marathons and now I can’t walk to the end of my street, which is barely a ¼ mile long.

But last week I couldn’t walk without a walker.

This week I started walking without it.

I move like a fucking turtle but I’m progressing.

Yesterday, I made it about ¾ of the way.

Today’s goal is to make it to the end of the street.

And if I keep just making a little more progress, every day, I’ll be back in the gym in no time.

So, if there’s a lesson in all of this it’s just this: Make those small goals. It’ll help you build momentum.

And all of that effort compounds.

Pretty soon, you’ll achieve that big goal that seemed unattainable months ago.

Good luck on your journey and if you see me hobbling down the street, don’t run me over.

​