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The Rule of Thirds: How Olympians navigate the Emotional Rollercoaster of Goal Chasing


Hi there,


Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of your big dream?

One moment you're fueled by excitement and determination,

and the next,you're plummeting into a pit of self-doubt and feeling like crap.


This emotional rollercoaster is a common experience for anyone chasing a significant goal.


But what if there was a secret weapon to help you navigate these ups and downs?


I came across this concept, by Olympic athlete, poet, and filmmaker Alexi Pappas,

and it offers a simple yet powerful framework for understanding and managing the emotional journey of goal-chasing.


What is The Rule of Thirds?


According to Pappas, when chasing a big goal, you simply can’t feel good ALL the time.

But if the ratio is about as shown in the picture, you’ll be fine!


This means that it's perfectly normal to experience a mix of positive, neutral, and negative emotions throughout your journey.


The key is to recognize that these fluctuations are a natural part of the process.

 

Why is The Rule of Thirds Important?


  1. Realistic Expectations: The Rule of Thirds helps you set realistic expectations for your emotional journey. It prevents you from feeling discouraged when you experience setbacks or periods of doubt.


  2. Resilience: By understanding that emotional ups and downs are normal, you can develop greater resilience and the ability to bounce back from challenges.


  3. Motivation: Knowing that your feelings are aligned with the Rule of Thirds can provide you with motivation to keep going, even when things get tough.

 

How to Apply The Rule of Thirds to Your Goals:


  1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Be honest with yourself about how you're feeling. Don't try to suppress or ignore your emotions.


  2. Practice Self-Compassion: When you're feeling down, treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Remember, it's okay to have off days.


  3. Focus on Progress: Instead of dwelling on setbacks, celebrate your progress and small victories.

 

By embracing The Rule of Thirds, you can better navigate the emotional rollercoaster of goal-chasing and increase your chances of achieving your dreams.

 

Remember, it's not about avoiding negative emotions, but about recognizing them as a normal part of the journey and using them to fuel your resilience and determination.

 

To conclude with Alexi:


“Run like a bravey, sleep like a baby, dream like a crazy, replace can’t…. with maybe!”

 

Happy goal-chasing!



 

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