Welcome and welcome!
I was hanging out with a friend this week, and we got to talking about micro adjustments.
It got me thinking about visiting a chiropractor, specifically about the chiropractic adjustment tool they use.
For those of you who’ve been, you likely know what I’m talking about.
For those of you who don't, here's a photo to aid your imagination!
At any rate, when you’re on the receiving end of a chiropractic adjustment tool, it hardly seems like it’s working.
Like, in your head, you’re thinking, “that’s not doing shit.”
But here’s the thing:
It is.
It’s just that the changes it’s making are extremely incremental.
Barely perceptible.
But it’s there. It’s happening. It’s shifting your skeletal positioning ever so slightly.
Like the princess and the pea.
You know?
Now, before you get to asking yourself, “what are you talking about, Patrick?” let me explain.
In this world, we’re often racing to maximize everything:
- Our efforts
- Our impact
- Our sense of accomplishment
The whole damn thing.
And when those efforts don’t add up to a velocity we deem acceptable, disappointment creeps in.
I know that I’ve talked a lot about showing up completely and not being afraid of doing too much, but I think what I’m talking about here is different.
When I’ve spoken about refusing to do any less in the past, that was about managing our limiting beliefs—the things we tell ourselves too often even though our hearts desire more.
In this context, I’m speaking about patience and the power it provides.
We’ve all got “To Do” lists a mile and a half long.
Anyway, back to the chiropractor and this conversation about micro-adjustments.
What I came to in this conversation was a place of peace with where I am now.
And if I’m being honest, it’s influenced by expectations—both of myself and of my progress up to this point.
Sometimes when you’re going all in on a new project, perspective, or business, it can be hard to see the progress you’re making.
You assign arbitrary identifiers of success.
And when those aren't being met, it can feel deflating.
But that isn’t a true index of the progress that’s actually taking place.
You see, we tend to assimilate our efforts. We forget all we’ve done and what those micro-accomplishments feel like.
In a world of big, brash talk, posturing, and bravado, our efforts can feel like they’re not enough.
Here’s the deal, though:
So much of what we’re measuring ourselves against isn’t accurate. It’s bluster.
Like Jay-Z says, “You know the type: loud as a motorbike but wouldn't bust a grape in a fruit fight.”
That’s super accurate, and you need to hear it—and take it to heart.
It’s easy to let the posturing we see on social media wreak havoc, but it’s your job to ignore that shit.
Much like the subtle adjustments made by a chiropractor, our progress in life often happens in small, almost imperceptible increments.
These micro-adjustments, though seemingly insignificant in the moment, accumulate over time to create substantial change.
It’s essential to recognize and appreciate these small victories instead of focusing solely on the larger milestones. This perspective fosters patience and perseverance, allowing us to maintain peace and confidence in our journey.
I wish I could be more conclusive here, but honestly, I’m writing this from the heart and don’t care so much if it wraps up neatly.
What I know is, this stuff busts me up too often, and I’m guessing it does the same for many of you.
So, I’m just here to say: You’re rad.
Keep getting it.
Keep on with the micro-adjustments.
In the long run, you’re going to win.
Until next week.
This is Ground Control.
Patrick
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