For years I wanted to be a faster runner, and I thought I was putting in enough work to get it done. But to be completely honest, I wasn't even close. So early last year, I decided that no matter what it took I was going to start scooting along a little quicker. I began training like never before, and drastically modified my dietary habits. And at the end of the year, the hard work paid off and I was much fleeter of foot.
But more than the physical changes to my training, I had to make a huge mental transformation. I had to BELIEVE I could be faster, regardless of what anyone else thought. When people told me that I was too old, or I started running too late, or I was too big (205 at the time) ... I had to go about my business KNOWING I was going to accomplish my goals every time I laced up my shoes.
Everyday, I meet a lot of people who struggle with the same old things. Weight. Money. Lack of motivation or confidence. Poor self-image. You know, the individual road blocks that slow us all down from time to time. And I think in many cases its because at some point we have bought into EVERYONE ELSE's reality for our life instead of ours. Maybe people have always seen you as the heavy person. Or maybe as the person who will just never be successful.
But how do YOU see YOU???
When everyone says "You can't!" ... do you just accept it and get back in line? Are you middle of the pack ... or are you a champion? Are you okay with always being overweight, tired, and sick ... or do you believe there's healthier you hidden somewhere inside? Have you fallen into the lie of thinking you don't matter ... or do you have a voice? Only you have the answer.
I truly believe that we all have personal greatness somewhere inside of us. It comes in all shapes, speeds, and sizes. But no one else is going to realize it until you start BELIEVING IT and LIVING IT! Maybe this is the year you run a PR. Maybe this the month you get past that on again - off again 10 lbs. Maybe there's something hidden in you the whole world needs to experience. But it's not everyone else's boxed up image of you ... it's the real you! And maybe it's time you let it out.
When I was talking to Michael about this post, she smiled and gave me her best R.Kelly impersonation, "I believe I can fly..." Hmm, well yeah sweetie, I believe I can!
... be great today!
This is a great post and one I need to file away and read often. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post Jim! I definitely needed this little boost of inspiration. For me it's those pesky 10 pounds I've got to get rid of that I know will make me run lighter and faster and help my knees and joints.
ReplyDeleteAlthough right now I'm new and running to finish rather than running for speed. But I've struggled a lot with the thought that I just can't go that much faster, that it's just not possible. Love this encouragement that it actually is possible - with the proper commitment and hard work.
Thanks for the inspiring words, Jim! And, I like Michael's song ( :
ReplyDeleteYou are hitting the nail on the head. It took me a long time to gain the confidence I need for good marathoning, but once I did, it made all the difference.
ReplyDeletethat's right.
ReplyDeleteI believe I can touch the sky
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a great post! Conquering the images in your head is way harder than the physical work/pain associated with this journey! Thanks for being such a great encourager!
ReplyDeleteJim- thanks for some much needed motivation today!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I need to apply this to my personal and work life too.
ReplyDeleteMy friend there is nothing more maddening to me than the person who thinks they can't. I typically play devil's advocate with them until they realize that they can. This sometimes takes moments and other times years but I don't give up on people. We are too precious of a commodity to throw away.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing and I mean nothing that is impossible. Right mind set = accomplishments = confidence = continued greatness....
Great post and very well said! The mind is an extremely powerful thing!
ReplyDeleteI try and make intensity my friend.
ReplyDelete"YOU know what YOU brought, I know what YOU'VE got."
[I always pretend someone is saying that to me.]
I'm
a
head
case.
but it works for me.
Yep!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteI believe!
Great post and so true! Usually the only thing holding us back is our own self doubt.
ReplyDeletelove it! i believe i can be a triathlete! ive been too afraid to do it until this year, and by golly, im going to do it (even though i am still scared to death!)
ReplyDeleteGREAT POST. I fully believe that I have only gotten faster because I believed I was fast[in comparision to my original speed]. What the mind believes the body can do, the body does. The mind is a very powerful thing :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping and commenting! Wondeful post. Just what I needed today to get me over the mid-day slump of not wanting to go out and run this evening.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Kovas! haha
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you are already, but you should be a motivational speaker - ala Tommy Boy style, haha
In all seriousness I think you could be a good motivational speaker =)
I appreciate the post. Well put. I see myself breaking some PRs before this years over.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I'm working my way up that speed ladder although it's slower than I'd like. I admire your dedication.
ReplyDeleteThe mind is so powerful! Great post.
ReplyDeleteMichael referred this post to me. I appreciate the reminder that I am the author of my story.
ReplyDelete