Small things matter...

So why do small things matter? There are some things in life that we forget really easily. I sometimes find it hard to remember what I’m talking about whilst I am talking about it, never mind what might have happened a long time ago. That said there are some things that I am sure we all remember with absolute clarity. It’s hard sometimes to figure out why some things are easier to remember than others. I am unsure why I remember so clearly the TV programme ‘Mary, Mungo and Midge’, and equally unsure why I can’t remember the theme tune. And then the importance we put on certain things for no real reason – I am sure I like the theme tune, despite not remembering it – but don’t know why. I am sure you know what I am talking about.

So going back 4 years I still have one of these moments of clarity that gave me clarity. I was having a conversation about something that had happened the previous day and it was about half way through this conversation when I realised it was about me, and I couldn’t remember anything that had happened.

Now having been a student and in served in the Royal Navy, it certainly wasn’t the first time that this had happened, but at that moment I had the epiphany to say (and mean) never again.

Now there’s a phrase; never again. Possibly made even more famous by Sir Steve Redgrave at one of his Olympic victories. Have you ever said it? If so did you mean it at the time? If you have said it – have you never again’d (I know it’s not a word) what you said never again for? For most of us, it’s a lie, because we do the never again, again. Why? And as a lie it’s got to be above Santa, the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny as at least they have a good reason behind the lie.

But 4 years ago I said it and meant it. And because I really, really meant it, not drinking alcohol has been really easy. But, I soon discovered that not everything plays out as we think. I have never been one for sweet things, but with the alcohol gone, it was soon replaced with an excess of chocolate and chocolate related products – so bang went the 6 pack that I thought would soon materialise!

Not only this, but the great thing about a hangover is that the day tends to get better. Now, when I wake up it’s the best I feel all day. It’s a small price to pay!

Let’s be clear, I’m not suggesting for a moment that you drink too much or that you should stop drinking. But I am suggesting that it’s often the small things that we do that make a difference. For me, saving an average of £7 a day or £50 a week wasn’t life changing, but that has accumulated to over £10,000 over the last 4 years! And that is pretty cool, espceially when you put that to one side each week.

So, how are those New Year’s resolutions going?
Remember, it’s easy to take small steps and start taking action now. You just have to want to.

What small things will you take that might lead to some pretty big achievements? Saying out loud is the first step to success – so say it, write it down and tell people.

Next week we will share with you a behind the scenes film of the Wellingborough multi-terrain running races.

And finally – oranges! When we were packing the van for the race weekend we found a box of oranges from Challenge Henley (4 months old). Some of them were really really mouldy and some of them were unaffected. It was like some of the oranges had Dorian Gray type pictures hiding away somewhere and were unaffected by the passing of time. My question is Why? Will somebody please email me to explain how this can be? (the ones that looked okay, also tasted alright too!)

Big Al