Don’t You Dare Quit

Change begins with a single small step, the decision to move rather than stay still, to try something rather than merely fantasize about it. Go ahead, take that step. Feel the energy change around you, within you. You are moving in the right direction. ~ Anonymous

Two weeks of the new year are nearly gone. How are you coming on those changes you promised yourself?  Remember you don’t have to do things perfectly. If you fall it’s no time to quit, it’s time to pick yourself up and begin again!

When you think it’s too hard tell yourself, “I’m learning more everyday.” When it is overwhelming take one step at a time. Post a sign in your office that states, “No matter how long it takes or how bad it gets, I’m going to do it!”

Your self-talk has a monumnetal impact on your results. What are you telling yourself today? Just for today, do not worry.  Worry doesn’t solve your problems it steals your happiness and joy. When you are anxious or worried remember to smile, breathe and go slowly.

When you believe things are falling apart focus on what is going right. If you could reach out to someone for support who would it be?  If you need help ask for it.

Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them.”   -Orison Swett Marden

Make a list of all obstacles you beieve are in your way. Then make a plan for overcoming each obstacle. Keep your focus on solutions.

“What saved us over and over was our willingness to recognize what wasn’t working and quickly identify a new way of looking at it. Be remaining flexible and open to creative solutions, the results have been miraculous.” -Anita Roddick, The Body Shop

I have been in training for a 1/2 marathon for the past several months. The race is this Sunday but I decided to wait because my husband will be gone on a business trip. I didn’t want to do it without my biggest fan.

I found another race scheduled for mid February. Then last Thursday my hip began hurting. Today I made an appointment with my physician to get it checked out. I’m hoping now to be ready in March for an ING half marathon in Atlanta where my duaghter lives.

I’m frustrated and disappointed however I don’t plan on giving up anytime soon. This is just a minor inconvenience, a bump in the road.

lillie-doss1x1.jpg
Lillie Doss, 83 years old, is from Austin, TX . She won her age group in the Masters 10-K National Championships in April and the 5-K &10K at the World Senior games in October. “I can’t isn’t in her vocabulary!”

 

 

{ 8 comments… add one }

  • LifeMadeGreat | Juliet January 12, 2009, 10:58 pm

    Hi Tess

    I like that you mention the obstacles. It’s such an important thing for us to work on. Often I think we set goals without considering the potential pitfalls and how we will handle them.

    Juliet

    LifeMadeGreat | Juliet’s last blog post..What Are You Thirsting For?

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  • Glen Allsopp January 13, 2009, 12:41 am

    Winners know when to quit and when to stick. Sometimes you have to realise a bad investment and cut your losses.

    BTW, thanks for the tidbit at the end, I’m always collecting little motivational things like this!

    Great post, on the whole I agree with you.

    Stumbled!

    Cheers,
    Glen

    Glen Allsopp’s last blog post..One Simple Action to Improve at Anything

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  • Lance January 13, 2009, 4:25 am

    Hi Tess,

    Awesome reminder! And this all reminds me of an inspirational story I see played out every year for since I’ve been competing in 5K races and sprint triathlons locally. There is this lady, I believe she is in at least her 70’s, and possibly her 80’s – and she competes in many races. She’s not the fastest (not by a long shot, at that age) -yet she finishes – and always wins her age division. Because there is no one else. And the crowd always loves her. And it always reminds me that we can do whatever we set our mind to.

    Good luck to you on your 1/2 marathon – it’s a goal of mine to do one of these sometime, too! Hopefully all is well in your visit to the doctor.

    Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day

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  • Tess January 13, 2009, 11:56 am

    Juliet,

    I make it a habit to brainstorming obstacles. It makes me feel like I’m one step ahead.

    Glenn,
    You’re welcome. I’m always amazed at what elderly adults are doing. I plan on being amazing when I’m that old!

    Lance,
    Thanks for the encouragement. I saw a 79 year old guy in Hawaii finish the Ironman for his 11th time. I wouldn’t have believed the story however I was at the finish line as a volunteer and saw it with my own eyes!

    Tess’s last blog post..Don’t You Dare Quit

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  • Stacey Shipman January 13, 2009, 1:54 pm

    All too often we do quit when faced with obstacles. I recently wrote a post about never giving up and ways to overcome the obstacle. Often it’s a simple reassessment or adjustment that unfortunately we don’t give ourselves time to make.

    Good luck with your race and take care of that hip!

    Stacey Shipman’s last blog post..Got Stress? Use it to Your Advantage

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  • Tess January 13, 2009, 5:37 pm

    Stacey,
    Thanks for the encouragement. I just returned from the doctor and it’s not too serious just have to do exercises to stretch this certain muscle, ice and heat and tylenol.
    Of course I’ve lost major mileage but “oh well so what, if that’s my biggest problem!”

    Tess’s last blog post..Don’t You Dare Quit

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  • Robin January 17, 2009, 10:24 pm

    Hi Tess – I love your goldfish above!

    That quote from Anita is great – and I like your “Keep your focus on solutions.” Good one!

    Cheers – Robin

    Robin’s last blog post..5-Year Plan For This Blog

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  • Barbara @ BloggingWithoutABlog January 19, 2009, 12:26 am

    Hi Tess – It’s good to hear you got a good report from the doctor.

    I love your idea of the sign, ““No matter how long it takes or how bad it gets, I’m going to do it!”. Keeping a sign like that in front of us is a great reminder that whatever we desire is ours if we’re willing to go for it.

    Barbara @ BloggingWithoutABlog’s last blog post..They Don’t Have To Be Einstein To Figure It Out

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