Monthly Mindset, November 2021: Appreciation
All throughout October, I believed this month would be all about acceleration. If you recall, we were all gas no brakes, deeply entrenched in the New York of old with bourbon often in hand. Barry and I agree that when you’re “winning” or experiencing a stretch of positivity; you have to ride the wave. You act with instinct and never over-calculate. One false step would thrust you out of that current and nobody wants to abandon the runner’s high.
I was in motion like you cannot believe. Continuing to hit my stride at the new gig, going into the office thrice a week, getting date reps in like a speed ladder - moving like I always wanted to without hindrance. Two weeks ago, this article would have written itself... it was that type of perpetual motion, but a funny thing happened. I hopped swim lanes and stopped for a moment to smell the roses. It began with a week in Maine living life in a Google screensaver (quintessential fall vibes) which led to a trip back home to accept honors & spend time with family. I had no idea what the proverbial speed limit was until these momentary pauses of action. Now for November, I’m singing a different tune. Let’s reflect a bit first.
They Always Serve Champagne in the Champs’ Locker Room: I’m sure this is a New York thing but I know it’s transcendent of geography: when you’re winning, you’re drinking. I found myself in so many indulgent environments as a result of the pace of play. You go on a date; you’re getting drinks. Meeting up with an old friend; over drinks. Friends come in town; you’re pouring up. I mean, shit, I have the luxury of being served a designer beverage at work after a hard day’s grind. Alcohol was flowing, and not to say that it isn’t now, but I’ve shifted my perspective. I try to get out ahead of something problematic and although I don’t have an addictive personality, I could see the road in front of me slick as hell with Casa Migos & Basil Haydens. Spoke with an aspiring doctor homie and he told me to turn the 3’s into 2’s, indicating a conscious decision to have one or two less dranks when you’re out and about. You can still shoot the shit over a glass, you just don’t need that extra jawn (imo).
When It Rains, It Pours. It’s Feast or Famine: Don’t forget the struggle it took to get to where you are. You’ll inevitably find yourself back in an ebb but you don’t wanna end up there for the same reasons. Peek behind the veil for ya boy, I came off a failed love interest in September that continues to fog the vision. The shift in mindset from now to then is that historically when I’m reeling off one of those aspirational relationship threads, I shut down and don’t allow anyone else in. I wouldn’t get myself back in the ring to spar. Lesson learned: when you get knocked down, get your ass back up & do it quickly. Go embarrass yourself in a bar; I certainly did. I walked up to a girl, spit Bucky McBadBat-type game, and gave her my dad’s name & number. Seems like a self-destructive exercise but I learned I have to be willing to dust myself off and move on. You might be in a bountiful harvest, but don’t forget what it was like with dusty crops.
I’ll continue to move forward expeditiously but I dropped the speed to 50 & rolled the windows down. This month I’m focused on APPRECIATION. Thanksgiving being right around the corner is purely coincidental but ties in quite nicely to our theme. I’m bad at appreciating the good things around me because I’m never settled. I’ll always go out there and seek more but I’m trying to take time this month to look at this year’s body of work and smile. With work, the vast majority of us will be stretched thin as businesses attempt to squeeze out the remaining productivity & dollars left in Q4 but that will quickly dissipate and we’ll be chilling. With life, holidays bring familial traditions & festivities. With relationships, you gotta figure the holidays will make or break some folks out there so stay tuned on the waiver wire - could be a new cast of characters coming into the mix soon (or hey, at least you’ll get clarity).
Take note of the things you accomplished this year & the shit you failed. Appreciate them both. They’ll get us to the final chapter of the My Monthly Mindset series.