Gina London: You’re not special, but with hard work you can be exceptional if you embrace your true self

That’s from the often expletive-laden mouth of Aidan Loughnane whose Instagram page, Running with Aidan has more than 100,000 followers. The Tipperary man uses a straight-talking, tough love style when he posts, looking straight into the camera on his phone which he holds as he’s out on his daily run. The titles of his posts might seem startling, like: “Get up and F**king do it” and suchlike.

But when you take a moment to listen you realise you can learn a lot from a man who is not afraid to share his experiences and speak from the heart.

Aidan describes himself as an overweight kid who decided to lose weight in his teens, became anorexic and panic attack prone for a decade before therapy, self-awareness, weightlifting and fitness running helped get him more solidly on a healing path. He initially started his Instagram page by posting upbeat, positive messages.

But after a childhood friend suddenly took his own life, Aidan made a decision to become more vulnerable. “I recorded myself saying, ‘I cried yesterday because I missed my friend and that’s a normal thing.’ I was trying to tell people everything will be all right. But I didn’t believe it. Because everything is not always all right.”

So, about eight months ago, Aidan decided to say what was really on his mind. His first post in his more real and raw approach is pinned to the top of his page titled, “You’re not F**king Special”. I’ll share a paraphrased and expletive-deleted version to give you the idea:

Running along a country road, Aidan looks at the camera through dark sunglasses and says, “Life doesn’t victimise you. Life is tough on us all. I used to be a wreck until I realised that we control nothing in life but our own perspective. Life doesn’t care about how you feel. Make the most of now. Push, push yourself. Be the greatest version of you. Find something of joy in your day to day. Stop waiting for your holiday. Live in now. I’ve lived through enough in life to know tomorrow is not promised. Love your family. Love your friends and love yourself.”

The post blew up. Over a million views. It, and the similar posts that followed, became such a widespread source of inspiration that James Corden even reached out to tell Aidan his words encouraged the former talk show host during a recent down time.

Aidan continues to speak his truth about the mental health and fitness issues he’s struggled with for years. “My words have power,” he rightly states.

So too, do yours, dear readers. And if you’re not feeling particularly motivated this Sunday as you read this column, I want to encourage you to keep reading.

In a world of billions, we’re one of many. We’re not special, and that’s okay. It means we’re not entitled to success or special treatment. It means we have to earn respect and claim our joy in the world, like everyone else. Gleaned from my conversation and the posts of Aidan Loughnane, here’s why:

The world doesn’t owe you anything

Nobody owes you success, happiness, or a comfortable life. Your success is your responsibility. Waiting for the world to recognise your uniqueness won’t get you far. Instead, take charge of your life.

Potential is Overrated

Potential is nothing without execution. Many people have the potential to achieve greatness, but few are willing to put in the work. Remember, it’s not about what you could do; it’s about what you actually do.

Motivation is Fleeting

Motivation is like a fleeting flame. It can ignite your passion, but it often burns out quickly. Discipline, on the other hand, is like a steady fire; it keeps you going even when motivation wanes. “Motivation will turn its back on you. But discipline will never turn its back,” Aidan says.

The Power of Consistency

Take it from a committed runner like Aidan, success is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Incremental discipline is the fuel that keeps you moving forward, day after day. Consistency compounds over time, leading to significant results.

Embrace Discomfort

Discipline often means doing things you don’t want to do. It means pushing through discomfort, embracing failure, and learning from mistakes. This process moulds you into a stronger, more resilient individual.

Set Realistic Goals

Discipline helps you set and achieve realistic goals. Special or not, you can make progress if you’re willing to put in the effort consistently.

Inspiration is Everywhere

Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, find it in your daily life. Be inspired by the small victories, the progress you make, and the journey itself.​

Aidan Loughnane’s tough love philosophy reminds us that being special isn’t a prerequisite for success.

Instead, it’s discipline, consistency, and a willingness to work relentlessly towards your goals that truly matter. As he and his partner Ellemai prepare for their wedding next June, each of us can celebrate with them to embrace the grind and find that you have the power to achieve.

You’re not special, but you can be exceptional.

Write to Gina in care of SundayBusiness@independent.ie ​With corporate clients in five continents, Gina London is a premier communications strategy, structure and delivery expert. She is also a media analyst, author, speaker and former CNN anchor. @TheGinaLondon