by Dan | Dec 20, 2015 | Etc.
A quote by Vince Lombardi: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” How determined are you? How focused are you on achieving what you want? The look on our faces a lot of times will tell how determined we can be. It starts here…determine you are going to do something, then going after it to achieve it no matter what.
Some of us can be inspired by watching others, and some of us get help by direct encouragement from others. These are helpful in achieving our goals, but if we don’t have that underlying determination ourselves of going after something, then we still won’t end up getting very far. We have discussed before having our goals in mind, writing them down, then putting our head down, and going for it. We are in the driver seat. We determine what course we are going to take. We determine in our mind where we want to go.
“Success isn’t how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” This is determined by us…DETERMINATION!
Above you will see a picture of Nick running in Track. I think this is a perfect example of that look of determination on somebody’s face when they are working towards something, and nothing is going to get in their way. You will see below one of me with Chris…Chris is determined to run a half marathon this coming year, and I have not doubt she will achieve it. She has come a long way the past few years already when it comes to running and exercise. Her biggest obstacle is between her ears! Confidence comes with time, and will be a subject of another topic in this series later. I also have listed 2 quotes below, the first one being the definition of Determination: A fixed purpose, the power and will to persist, resolve, to have the drive, to have the grit, to go the distance, to be hell-bent on reaching a goal and getting it done no matter what! Determination is the difference between making the impossible, possible! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3005
by Dan | Dec 15, 2015 | Etc.
Who would have thought that back on September 26, 2007 when I challenged myself to see how many days in a row I could exercise without stopping, that I would still be going! Well, today is consecutive exercise day #3000! There were many times when I did not think I was going to be able to keep it going. This includes both physical and mental challenges. Overall, the biggest obstacle has been the mental challenges. I was determined to see how long I could keep this streak going…after all, my main reason was for my family. I want to take care of myself, and be around longer to spend time with them.
To me, this is where true commitment arises from. There were many days where I could have thought of a lot of other things I would have rather been doing. Nothing though, was as tough as that first year. Once I got past this, it truly has become a habit. It is part of my routine. It is now part of me! I found one quotation that I think really sums up the meaning of commitment:
Bull’s eye! Nothing can say it any better than this! We all have times when we try to make a commitment, only to lose sight of it amid all of the other challenges of life. This is where we truly have to keep focused on what we were trying to accomplish in the first place, and WHY! Then keep looking back at those reasons, and stay focused. Stay committed! I wear a garmin watch when I run to help keep track of my pace and mileage, and I found a great T-shirt at one of the marathon expos–
“If you see me collapse, pause my garmin.” Great line if you are a runner! I am going to keep going as long as I have control over the situation. It has been fun, challenging, and above all–worthwhile!
I made a commitment to keep my consecutive exercise streak going for as long as I could, with the main driving force being to take care of myself and my health to the best of the my ability. My promise was to be around for my family longer! This commitment is what is helping me transform a promise into reality! I don’t know when it will end, but I will just keep doing my thing one day at a time, and enjoying the ride! This is helping me become a success in life! Commitment! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3000!
by Dan | Dec 13, 2015 | Etc.
Authors Ron Rubin and Stuart Avery Gold stated “Dare to Dream, Dream to Dare” when they were discussing about our future. They wrote that dreams are your creative vision, a way to explore, expand, and redefine the infinite possibilities of your life. What is our true purpose in life? As we are all individuals, this answer can be different for every one of us. What do you want out of life? What is important to you? Do you only “dream” about those things, or do you actively try to do something about it in order to make that dream a reality. It is up to each one of us to determine this. Sit down and think about this: What is your purpose? This is the time when you really do need to sit somewhere quiet, and really think about it.
Where is that place for you? Home? Work? In the park? By the Lake? It does not matter where, but you have to make it where it is a time for you to reflect on your dreams. Ignore any pressure placed on you by other people, or obligations. You have one life, and there is only one you! What do you want? And why do you want it? You have heard me before state that everything I do in relation to staying active is so I will be around longer for my family. I want to spend time with them. Live life with them. Appreciate all the adventures that go along with this.
Use your imagination. Be creative. Write it down, and create a log, not only an exercise log, but an idea log, and then keep referring back to it to remind yourself of that purpose. Do you want to make a difference? And if so, for you, or somebody else? Once you have that idea of purpose, then the rest is up to you. How are you going to work towards it? What is it worth to you? Is it realistic? You have the power to make it happen. Dig deep…it is in you somewhere. If you need to, think about it some more.
Take the time to think! In this busy, crazy world, unless we are going 100 mph all of the time, we don’t think we are accomplishing anything. Sometimes going slow really is going fast! You come up with a plan. You need to see beyond the trees of the forest, and focus on what lies behind it!
Be creative! The majority of times we are limited by our own minds. “Dare to Dream…Dream to Dare!” I will leave you with two more quotes to ponder on.
…and don’t limit yourself to just one thing!
Good luck! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2998
by Dan | Dec 6, 2015 | Etc.
It is time for a new series. I am calling is Staying the Course–Success in Life. I am pointing at you! Yes, all of you! This will apply to everybody, including me. Each post I will have a inspirational quote, and one particular area to discuss. Those particular topics will include the following:
Determination; Passion; Conviction; Drive; Intensity; Purpose; Discipline; Fortitude; Endurance; Control; Persistence; Empowerment; Happiness; Risk; Confidence; Knowledge.
I will see what order I take each of these in. All of the topics will discuss things as to how to live your passion, stay focused, set goals, and above all, have fun! To take control of our destiny, we must take control of our thoughts. Whether we think we can, or we think we can’t, we are right! We need to work for the positive thoughts, not the negative ones. This applies to not only staying active, and taking care of our own health, but sets the tone for creating Success in Life!
A quote by the famous Gandhi: ” Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive, because your words become your behaviors. Keep your behaviors positive, because your behaviors become your habits. Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your destiny.”
Life can be an uphill battle at times. You decide whether you want to lead, or follow. You make the decision. You are in control.
Sometimes the path ahead may be difficult to see, and you may have to really focus and concentrate to get to the other side. The stress and pressure of every day life may seem like things may be piling on top of us, or things keep closing in on us, and we don’t feel like we can’t handle it all.
Keep your head up, and keep looking forward. Sometimes the path may seem long, and may seem like there is no end in site. Again, the one constant in life is change, and we have to learn to adapt to change, and take it for what it really means—potential for more opportunities, more adventures, more experiences in life to encounter. No 2 days are the same, so enjoy the ride! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2991
by Dan | Nov 29, 2015 | Etc.
Thanksgiving is a great time to be spending with family. It is also a good time to sit back and realize everything you have, and what you are thankful for. Bottom line, it does not matter what possessions you have, but the people in your life. Family tops the list, as you would do anything for them. A good line from the movie “Cheaper by the Dozen”, one of the kids in the family describes the relationship she has with the rest of her siblings. “There are times when I want to kill you, but there are more times when I would kill for you!” If you can’t depend on your family, then you really don’t have anything. Money can’t buy this. The time you spend with them is priceless. The bad part is that time goes by really fast! Don’t waste it on trivial things. Those insignificant things are much easier to replace. This picture was taken at the Turkey Day 5k a few days ago. My son Nick made it home from college, and ran it with us. My daughters were not able to make it home for this, but Molly came later that day. Megan won’t be home until Christmas. There is already that empty feeling at holiday times like this when everybody is not home. When you do get everybody together, you need to really make them count. I think my twin daughters have grown even closer by being apart at different colleges. It is fun to see their interactions when they are both home. Here they are together when Nick graduated in May.
Of course, there are the friends along the way. Below is one of me and Rich Kranz. We were getting ready to do the Turkey Day 5k as well.
We work out multiple days a week at Anytime Fitness in their Fun Fit program. It is quite the workout. I am out of my realm in this, and he helps push me to do better. Running is out of his realm, and I have been helping to push him. He has been running with me aRun Club on the Wednesday’s at 5:30. When we started, he could not finish one mile. We have gradually kept increasing it, and he has done several 5k’s now. His goal has been to break 30 minutes. Prior to Thursday, he had not done it. But this time, he ran 29:30! Amazing Rich! Way to go! Now it gets easier from here! There is nothing like other people to help push you to achieve your goals. Strong friendships develop out of all of this as well. That is why I like the run club so much. Again, here we are, doing what we love to do, motivating each other.
So, take this time to sit and think about what you are thankful for, and appreciate it that much more. The bonds of friendship and family are stronger than anything. We can’t always accomplish goals in our life by ourselves, and that’s when we need to rely on those people in our lives. After all, for me at least, the reason I am trying to do all this activity is so I can be around longer to be able to spend time with them. Have a good holiday season coming! I am preparing for the next segment of topics that I am going to be writing on…just trying to get it organized so as to make sense…especially to me! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2984
by Dan | Nov 22, 2015 | Etc.
Over these past few months I have written about my experiences with exercise, and in particular, running. It has been a great time for me as well reliving these memories, and going back through all of the pictures. This will be my final installment of the “In It For The Long Run” series. I have some ideas for some new areas to write on.
No where is it more true when it comes to exercise of any kind, that the hardest part of it all is mental. Trying to convince yourself that you can do it. For me, running has taught me to keep moving forward, one step at a time, especially in the most painful moments of my life. It truly is about life’s experiences, and how you as an individual can deal with it. One of my true idols, both as a runner, and as a physician, is Dr. George Sheehan. I have written on him in the past as well. He was a cardiologist by trade, but was an avid runner by choice, and helped set the running boom back in the 1970’s. He has some great quotes, and this one in particular is one of my favorites. “Success means having the Courage, the Determination, and the Will to become the person you believe you were meant to be!” Right on! Words to really focus on , and live by.
Running has taught me so many things. My favorite is that it really is my time to think.
Life moves along at a fast pace, and sometimes you need to sit down and relax, and just spend time thinking, and looking at what is all around you. And, thinking and appreciating everything you already have. That is what running does for me. I can forget all of my problems…it is just me…soaking it all in. It has taught me how to find strength; to remind myself I am strong; to be a positive influence to my family, and my patients; for friendship; because I enjoy a challenge; to get fit with my family, and have even more special family bonds and memories; to deal with life’s challenges; to be the best version of myself; because I’m ALIVE!
Remember to slow down, take the time to “smell the roses”! We all take for granted things in our life, and can go on and on and totally miss out on what is right in front of us! We have all done it, me included. Appreciate the little things in life, because in the end, it is what makes things big in our life.
Enjoy the things in life right in front of us. Don’t take anything for granted, for one day we won’t be here anymore. Help pass that point of motivation on to everybody else you come in contact with. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying everything in life is just “peachy”…we all have setbacks, bad days, challenges in our life. But what defines things more is how we handle them. How do we adapt and overcome. Our biggest obstacle is our mind, and if we truly believe we can, we are halfway there with everything in life.
We all truly need to work on making the Rest of Our Life, The Best of Our Life! Never give up on yourself. If you can’t depend on yourself, it makes it that much more difficult to depend on someone else! I hope all of these posts help hit some points home for all of you reading them. If you have any particular areas you would like me to discuss, let me know! Just remember, keep moving everybody! Stay IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2977
