One Way Grit

The Starting Line

Life is complex because we make it so.

In 2025, the paradox of choice is staggering. The internet, solo entrepreneurship, and our interconnected world offer infinite opportunities to do everything and anything. On the surface, it’s a dream come true—so much optimism, so many perceived ways forward. But here’s the catch: making a choice and sticking with it has never been harder.

Distractions pull us in every direction. Notifications, clutter, endless streams of information—it’s no wonder focus feels like a superpower.

This is why I love ultrarunning. This is why I love cycling. Out on the trail or the road, there’s no temptation to scroll through your phone, fire off a quick message, or write a blog post. There’s no clutter to organize, no emails to answer, no life problems demanding solutions.

There’s only you, the path ahead, and the finish line—with food and water waiting on the other side.

The Path

Single focus is the antidote to the chaos we create. When you’re running 100 kilometers or cycling through new terrain, the complexity of life fades away. It’s just your body, your breath, and the rhythm of forward motion. The chatter of the world—the notifications, the noise, the “what-ifs”—dissolves into the background.

But here’s the thing: single focus isn’t just for running or cycling. It’s a mindset we can bring into everything we do. It’s about stripping life down to its essentials, cutting out the noise, and immersing yourself fully in the task at hand.

The challenge is choosing what to focus on. With so many paths, so many shiny opportunities, deciding feels impossible. The fear of missing out can paralyze us. But if ultrarunning has taught me anything, it’s this:

Pick a path and commit to it.

The terrain might shift. The weather might change. But when you trust yourself to move forward, one step or one pedal stroke at a time, the finish line will come into view.

The Finish Line

In a world full of distractions, single focus is a gift. It’s the power to let go of everything except what truly matters in the moment.

Note to Self:

Here’s how to cultivate it:

1. Simplify: Cut out unnecessary decisions. Choose one goal, one project, or one task and give it your full attention.
2. Create Boundaries: Turn off your notifications, set limits on multitasking, and carve out uninterrupted time to work or move.
3. Practice Presence: Whether you’re on the trail, at your desk, or with loved ones, commit fully to being in that moment.
4. Embrace the Path: The journey will have obstacles, but trust the process. Keep moving forward, no matter how slow or small the steps.
5. Celebrate the Finish Line: Recognize the reward of completing what you set out to do—whether it’s a race, a project, or simply a good day’s work.

Single focus doesn’t mean giving up everything else. It means being deliberate about what you choose to prioritize and having faith in that choice.

The path ahead is yours. Just take the next step.

Peace be the journey,
– Ace