"Citius! Altius! Fortius!"
Today as I started my run I was feeling a bit tired. I really thought about turning around and going home. I wanted to run, but it was cold and dark and my legs were feeling tired. I took a moment to connect to my purpose and the outcomes I want in my life. I know that before I can reach those aspirations, I will be stretched in many different ways. Even in ways that I normally feel strong. I also know that I can’t (that’s right I said can’t) do it if I lose my mental focus and drive.
As I bounded over the first hill I decided that I was done feeling this mental challenge and remembered that I am a champion of mental toughness, and the master of make it happen.
The Champion In Me
I asked myself, "What do champions do in situations like these?" The first thing that came to my mind was to affirm my status as a champion. This is something that all true champions do. I know this may remind you of Stuart Smalley, but his way is the way champions roll.
I began by telling myself – "I love to run." "I love the energy I feel at the end of a run." "Running helps me feel healthy and strong." "Running generates powerful thoughts that help me do my work." "I love to run." I said these phrases over and over again and before I knew it I was at the halfway point of my run.
Going The Distance
I then began to think about the characteristics of the perfect runner. I focused on becoming the perfect runner. I thought about how to cause the least amount of impact on my body and what the best running form looks like. I visualized myself becoming the perfect runner and my excitement grew.
I remembered that all champions spend tons of time training in order to become a champion. This led me to a very powerful thought – The process of becoming is generally more rewarding than the results that come from the process. It is where the true growth is realized. I knew that my training is what generates the result and without the training I could never achieve the results I desire. There are no shortcuts.
The Call Of The Champions
As I ran, I heard in my mind the song, Call of the Champions, that was written for the 2002 Olympics. if you are not familiar with it, please find a copy and listen to it. It is one of the most motivating pieces of music I have ever heard. I feel like I can do anything when I hear it. As it played through my mind, I began to feel like I could fly so I put my arms out and soared as I ran. It was so exhilarating. I am a champion and in that moment I felt the power of being a champion.
Swifter, Higher, Stronger
I began this post with the quote "Citius! Altius! Fortius!” These Latin words are the Olympic Motto – they mean Swifter, Higher, Stronger. They inspire me to constantly reach for new “personal bests”. I like being engaged in the challenges I face each day. They are not always physical challenges like the one I faced today. There are challenges in all areas of my life, but this motto helps me rise to a new standard.
What is challenging you? What do you do when you feel discouraged? Who are you becoming? Are you willing to pay the price? There will be challenges along the way – rise to the challenge!
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