Things in life don’t always go as planned. You make the best of them anyway. Even though things may not go as planned, it does not mean it was not a good thing. Act like it was planned! Act like you are coming across the finish line and have all kinds of energy left, and you met your goal, whether it was for distance, time, or just showing up! If you stepped out on a limb and signed up for a race or a walk, then have fun doing it, regardless of the outcome. Be grateful you even got to participate. Many people would love too, but may have a reason they could not, physically or otherwise. Take advantage of the fact that you got to be there.
The first rule to follow to “Believe in Yourself” is to “Be You”! Only you can be you! Nobody else is in your shoes. Nobody else has your life, your struggles, your stress. But they also don’t get to enjoy the good parts of your life! Only we as individuals can do that. Be grateful to yourself, be kind to yourself: Be You! When you believe in yourself, good things happen.
Last week I talked about my son breaking the 2 min barrier in running the 800 meters in track. The first time he had even broken 2 min, running a 1:58. He had another track meet Friday, Howard Wood, in SF. He broke it again, another 1:58! What is the difference now? Because he proved to himself that he could do it, and now he can go out and repeat. He believes in himself! Believe in yourself, and you will become unstoppable. Our bodies are capable of anything. It is our mind we have to convince!
Jenn, one of our run club members, and a friend, is on the far left in this picture. She just graduated yesterday with her masters for teaching. 2 years she spent doing this, all while working, running, being involved in races, being married, and raising 2 kids. How? She believed in herself. She believed she could do it. There is no question it was a lot of work, and a lot of sacrificing of other things, but she did it. Another individual who made a huge accomplishment in their life! As with all things in life, it you want it, you have to earn it. You can’t take your health for granted. You have to earn it, and work at it also.
Some things with exercise are not always easy. You have to learn to get out of your comfort zone, and to go beyond what you thought your limitations were. If you are not willing to push your limits, you have no idea how far you can actually go. Do you want to settle for something, or be the best you can be at it? The rewards are unlimited when you believe, and then follow through with actions.
You have to rely on people around you, your friends, and your family. When trying to work on exercise and a healthier diet it is much easier when you have help. Take advantage of that help, and then remember to return the favor to them as well. No one should have to struggle alone. We all have times when we need someone to help us through, to help motivate us…to help us get off of our butt and do something about it, no matter what the issue may be! Just remember, when you work at it, when you believe, when you can be you, things change…for the good!
Believe in Yourself! Be You! It is your life, and you are in the driver’s seat. Just make sure you fasten your seat belt! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3861
