I arrived at the track this morning to see two guys hop like frogs from one side of the field to the other — the long way. I wanted to videotape them, but that would be intrusive, so I held back. After seeing this spectacle of human endurance, I started my run inspired and uplifted. By the end, I felt even better! I had taken nearly 9,000 steps, and it wasn't even 9:00 yet!
In this video, I compare running miles to running a business. You usually start strong. Then, when it gets hard, repetitive, and sometimes painful, you can become discouraged and find yourself slowing down. But if you persevere, you can eventually resume your stride and finish strong. Remember, finishing strong is the most important part. Here are today's stats:
- Weather. 50°F, sunny and slightly breezy; perfect for a morning run
- Location. Siskey YMCA outdoor track, then around my block
- Distance. 3.01 miles (I followed this up with a .25 mile cool down walk and Son Salutation prayer)
- Calories. 284
- Start Time. 7:46am
- Run Time. 46:34
- Average Pace. 15:28 minutes per mile
- Playlist. My footsteps, and my brain as I composed the video in this post
- Condition. Nothing short of awesome!
The more I run, the more I notice similarities between running miles and running my business. Both require endurance, strength, and perseverance. Both require me to live in the present, yet look beyond it to focus on the future and the goals I intend to accomplish. Both require me to push through pain. Both require me to overlook my weaknesses and frailties, and focus on my strong points.
And both require me to look past what I think I can do, and embrace what I can do.
I feel so great right now. If I don't run tomorrow morning, kick me.
Question: Have you experienced the sort of 3-step process described in this video? For a specific long-term project, or your business in general?
Thank you for this message this morning, It was well received :-)! Continue the great work!!
Michelle: So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and commenting!
You nailed it! Just this morning I dragged myself out in the cold drizzle (Spring in CA?) for my morning walk/jog. My To Do List today was very long since I'm prepping for a show on Thursday. I almost turned back when it began to rain but I knew that if I did, I'd regret it all day. Thankfully by the end of my walk, I felt energized and knew I'd be more productive and positive while doing my list.
So thank you for putting it all together and reminding us that with a bit of perseverence and focus our workout and biz can thrive, even through the rough weather. A perfect idea to think about tomorrow on my walk 🙂
Donna Maria,
I so needed to hear this as I am at that low point where it is slow and I need to push through this…..this video has helped me a lot!! You were a Godsend to me at the right moment!! Thank you!! Isn't is cool how we do things at the right moment for someone? I know how good that feels…and I needed this so thank you….now to write my long term goals!!
Annlihl (is that your name)? Want to make sure I address you correctly. Thank you for letting me know that this message encouraged you. Hanging in there is what it's all about. I once heard a famous actor say, “There are no failed actors in Hollywood. There are just people who didn't hang in there long enough.” I keep that in my mind always. It never ceases to help me propel myself to the next stage of uplift!
I'll be right there walking with you, Valerie. We're in different time zones so maybe it will encourage you to know as you are waking up that I ran a 5K this morning. I did it yesterday too without knowing. But today, I went 3.63 miles and amazed myself. If we can do things like that, and run in the rain before most people get out of bed, we can do anything. You go!! And good luck with Thursday's show. Please post pictures!
Yes, my name is Ann Lihl (but you can call me Ann)….I needed to set my display name correctly and then I submitted a picture….now you can see me as I can see you.
I love your blog, DM! You are such a mentor to me and certain posts are made for me……this one is one of them….I shall remember to “hang in there!”
When you see ALihlCreations, it's me! I follow you on Twitter too.
Oooh! Pretty! So much prettier than the Indie leaf logo! I like that I can call you Ann. Nice to meet you. Headed over to make sure I'm following you on Twitter now! Here's to a super day, Ann!
Thanks DM!! I'm pretty sure you are following me….we've talked a couple of times already…I just didn't have my pic up on your blog….nice to meet you too (officially)!