Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. – Winston Churchill
Motivation comes and goes – but if you have a clearly defined “why” you are doing something, I feel it helps keep you going forward.
I have tried to ensure I have strong “why” statements for most my short and long term goals, however with training for a half marathon this has definitely been challenged. For my training I keep two things in mind:
- My “why”:
I am doing this to challenge myself and my perception of my physical capabilities. I have long said “I’m not a runner” and I think I said it so much I began to believe that I just could NOT.
Even while in the military, I would take as much time as I could (while still passing) during my fitness tests during the 1.5 mile run portion. I don’t want to live life “counting myself out” of things before I even start/try. That’s no way to live and I might miss out on so much! - My “motivation word”:
I train using the Peloton outdoor running sessions on the Peloton App, and one of the coaches I listen to is Robin Arzon. She consistently reinforces the idea of a phrase or word that you feel helps keep you going.
I chose “Destiny”. I believe that my life, my destiny, my legacy is all up to me. It’s nothing to be left to chance. I have to CHOOSE my greatness – so I use the word “Destiny” on repeat in my mind, over and over and over while I train.
Don’t underestimate the ability of the mind/mindset to help you do more than you believe you can physically.
What’s YOUR mantra, word or why?
DreamerSD 