I spent my weekend watching two sporting events.
On Saturday night, I watched the loud, brash, walk-right-through-you Conor McGregor knock out Chad Mendes at UFC 189 after struggling through early challenges.
On Sunday morning, I watched the cool, calm, classy Roger Federer display grace in defeat to Novak Djokovic in some of the best tennis you’ll ever watch.
Two athletes displayed the consummation of years and years of behind-the-scenes blood, sweat, and tears on the biggest of stages. Both shined in their own ways.
In both instances, I came away inspired. I came away wanting to work harder and be better. That is what sports do for me.
But sports are not the point of this post. The point is input=output, the simple equation at the root of everything.
What you choose to usher into your eyeballs and earholes and all of your sensory channels is a cause, and every cause has an effect.
The cause/effect combination is unique to you, and there are a host of useful effects depending on the circumstance – ignition, inspiration, improved perspective, empathy, meditation, relaxation.
Are you consciously choosing your causes? Are you consciously aware of their effects?
If you want to improve your mind, body, and business, start there.
As I’m typing this, I turn my head to the right and see Arnold Schwarzenegger on the wall. He’s telling me to get to work, and so that’s exactly what I’ll do.
