Anything and everything that is worthwhile is typically not easy to attain. Whatever the venture or goal, if it is worthwhile, will take time, energy, money, hard work and support from others to accomplish. Certain friends of mine have run in 1/2 and full marathons and have even competed in triathlons. I watched them day in and day out, laser focused on their regimented work out, eating and sleep schedules, preparing day in and day out for the big day as well as overwhelming support from their families and friends to encourage them on their journey.
One word comes to mind when I think about this - Discipline. For some discipline comes more natural than for others especially depending on how an individual was raised and the environment they were raised in. Nonetheless, discipline to accomplish whatever goals you set out to do whether athletic, business, personal, spiritual etc., is required and ANYONE can do it.
Here are a few pointers that I have learned through past experiences:
- The Honeymoon - Anytime I've made the decision to jump into something that was bigger than myself, there is a rush of endorphin's. It is what I call the honeymoon phase, when the experience of this "love and passion" for the JOURNEY I just chose to embark on is fresh, new and exciting. During this time there is a feeling of being unstoppable and the ability to conquer anything that is thrown my way.
- Reality - It is just a matter of time when thoughts will begin to come into the mind like, "Are you sure you made the right decision?", and "Who do you think you are to do something so significant?". Oftentimes, these thoughts also come in the form of real words spoken by the ones closest to you. This is the phase when what is at the core of what is inside of you begins to be tested in every way.
- I'm All Alone - This is, in my opinion, the most difficult phase. Metaphorically, we start at the mountain top and this phase is when we hit the darkest of the deep place of the valley. This is when we realize we've invested everything we have into our love and passion and it "feels" as if no one around understands what we are struggling with, or going through. This is typically the time when it is easy for us to become like a recluse and hide form others, almost falling into a depression. It is VITALLY important at this phase to surround ourselves with people running the same race, for encouragement and support.
- I'm An Over-Comer - This is the victory phase! This is a time of realization and awareness that you had more in you to give to the world than you ever imagined. This is usually a time of great humility because you know you accomplished goals and dreams that only started out as such. This is the moment you reach that next summit, body sore, tired and worm out, standing on the top of that mountain, hands raised, saying, "I did it!"
Now look to that next mountain top and go! It will not be easy, but will be worth every bit of time, energy and hard work put into it!