Dig Deep and Persevere!

You know, I doubt any of these old boys were runners, but they sure were on to something..."If your head ain't in the game, you might as well not even try."

Success at anything is actually a state of mind. Success is an attitude that can deal with obstacles that come your way. Instead of barriers, success looks at those obstacles as challenges and figures out ways to navigate around them. Success is a journey not a field trip. Success understands that it takes time to reach a goal. Success understands that momentary disappointments are just that—momentary. Success is celebrating growth no matter how big or small. Success is commitment, resiliency, determination.

Being laid off from my publishing job of 13 years a year ago left me feeling less than successful, but some wonderful things came out of it. I know that sounds crazy, but it forced me to redefine myself. Sure I was mad, sad, and depressed for a short time, but feeling that way was so exhausting. I finally realized that I was given the best gift possible—the ability to go for what had only been a dream—turning my passion for running and fitness into a career. I would have never left the security of a job with benefits to pursue a dream, but when that job's been taken away, why not go for it! And so I did. Once my head was in the game and I had a vision and a goal to strive for, meaning returned to those 13 years. Stepping stones. It's not been easy and we've eaten our fair share of the no-name-brand mac-and-cheese and canned green beans, over the past few months, but it's been a wonderful adventure as well.

Running can be one big fat obstacle (challenge) too, even for the seasoned runner. Whether you're starting running for the first time in your life or you're coming back after 6-months of no running due to an injury, it can be a challenge. Your mindset can make or break your success at starting or restarting your running, or beginning that 5K or marathon training program. Don't focus on what you perceive to be your limitations. Instead, allow yourself to see what you can achieve while at the same time being realistic with your time-frame expectations. Rome wasn't built in a day.

We all have our limitations, but if you focus on those limitations instead of the possibilities, then you'll never get out the door. After being laid-up for a month after a surgery several years ago, I could have easily hung up the ole running shoes. But instead, I decided to train for a marathon. Training was slow going and my race time was far from a PR, but it is one of the most memorable races (Country Music Marathon '03) I have ever or will ever run. I've been hooked on country music ever since!

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Instead of settling with my limitations, I discovered many of those limitations were self-imposed. This realization would have never happened if I hadn't persevered. I now wear a bracelet that says, "Persevere." Whenever I have doubts, I give that bracelet a glance and it helps me refocus and push those doubts aside.

You can buy the most expensive running shoes on the market, you can hire the best running coaches and personal trainers around, you can purchase fancy state-of-the-art gym equipment, or join the most expensive fitness center, but if your head ain't in the game, it will be all for naught. Somehow, someway, you have to dig down deep and find the will, drive, and determination it's going to take to commit to that running or fitness program. Sure, surround yourself with positive and motivating people, but don't depend on them for your motivation. You should be your own biggest motivator.

Before you can motivate yourself, however, you need to understand what you're motivating. Defining your reasons for running or exercising can help you not only clarify your goals but give you a foundation for your motivation. Have you ever gone to a new restaurant and tried to order off the menu? For me, it's kind of hard. The menu is all a blur. I don't know where to look first. If I'm not careful, I'll may make a poor choice and not enjoy my meal. That's like beginning a running or fitness program. If you don't know why you're doing what you're doing and you don't have a well thought out plan, then you don't know where to start or even why you're doing it in the first place. And chances are you're probably not going to enjoy the experience. So, take some time to think about your reasons, then set some goals, then make your plan. Dig deep and succeed! I know you got it in you!