How To Stay In The Race

Marathoners make it look easy.  Their mile times at the end of the race are similar to the first miles.  How do they do it?  Is there some kind of secret?  Nike says, "just do it."  Any worthwhile goal can be accomplished as long as you stay in the race.  For me, writing and running have many similarities.  Tomorrow I cross the finish line of my biggest blogging goal ever, to write every day for 1,000 consecutive days.  Apply these ideas to your own personal goals and you will find yourself victorious.

1. Picture yourself crossing the finish line.  When the brain has a clear mental snapshot of you completing your goal, it will help you to stay in the race.  Keep visualizing that finish line every day when you wake up.
2. Ask someone close to you to be your accountability partner.  Check in with them at regular intervals.  Call them when you are tempted to give up.
3. Expect obstacles.  Any worthwhile goal always comes with a set of challenges.  Convince yourself you can overcome anything that gets in your way.
4. Train properly.  No runner expects to run 26.2 miles without proper training.  All goals need a strategy.  Map one out and make sure to follow the training plan.
5. Stay balanced.  You need a good support system.  I like to tackle my list of goals at the beginning of the day.  Once they are accomplished, I get to spend time with my family.  Mix up your routine to avoid burn out.
6. Keep moving forward.  There will be times when you feel like you are in quicksand.  Objects in motion tend to remain in motion.  This is true of our bodies.  It's better to move forward one inch and keep moving than to stop.
7. Make sacrifices.  Think about the captain of a sinking ship.  He must decide to throw some things overboard in order to stay afloat.  On the race course of life, it's the same.  You may have to give up certain activities getting in your way of finishing the race.  Make your goal the top priority and let go of the activities that will knock you out of the race.
8. Pray.  The Creator of the universe is always with you.  He designed you for a special purpose.  That purpose is your own personal race course.  Keep in touch with Him and don't be afraid to ask for some extra inspiration when you feel like abandoning the race track.  He will give you everything you need to accomplish your mission.
9. Every time you cross the finish line, it's time to enter a new race.  It doesn't matter how old you are, if your heart is still beating, you have time for another race.  Keep setting new goals for yourself.
10. Just do it.  Don't make any excuses.  Set your sights on the finish line and cross it.

Come back tomorrow and read post number 1,000.  I would love to celebrate that day with you.  And don't forget to invite me to celebrate your success when you reach your own milestone in your life.  Just do it.