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Confidence

Written by: Ann Mehl

Article Overview: Over the span of 15 years, I have run more than 40 marathons - NYC, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Stockholm, Dublin, Quebec City and St. Louis, to name but a few. Running grants me confidence and a positive outlook on everything. Even on my worst days, I gain inner strength and personal satisfaction simply from trying. Whatever your own personal marathon, I believe that the same mind-set I use in prepping for long-distance events may speak to you as well. These are a set of values to keep in mind when you're setting out to accomplish any worthwhile goal.

Confidence

Over the span of 15 years, I have run more than 40 marathons - NYC, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Stockholm, Dublin, Quebec City and St. Louis, to name but a few.

Running grants me confidence and a positive outlook on everything. Even on my worst days, I gain inner strength and personal satisfaction simply from trying. Whatever your own personal marathon, I believe that the same mind-set I use in prepping for long-distance events may speak to you as well. These are a set of values to keep in mind when you're setting out to accomplish any worthwhile goal.

1. Stretch. Not much happens of any significance when we're in our comfort zone. Had I not dared to stretch myself beyond the one-mile distance, I may have never known my full potential. The marathon taught me that I could achieve anything when I put my heart and mind into something. Surprise yourself.

2. Make the time. Whether you want to run a marathon or write a book, it all begins with carving out the time. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. So why do some people seem to do accomplish so much more? They do it by giving themselves the time. Create a short list of priorities, and then make the time.



3. Pay attention to the inner voice. It is your constant traveling companion, and it can be your greatest friend or worst enemy. Snag any limiting voice when it surfaces, and identify that it is your fear talking.

4. Just show up. According to Woody Allen, 80 percent of success is just showing up. That means you can't run a race if you don't make it to the start line. Don't be too easily swayed by your moods.

5. Take in the view. When I am running, I often have to remind myself to take in the view. Doing this helps me to stay in the moment and distracts me from whatever temporary discomfort I may feel. It also provides an energy booster when I look up and smile or talk to someone. Same as in life, as in running.

6. Sometimes you'll stumble. False starts are central to the process of running. So you miss a day's training or you go nuts on dessert. Big deal! Start over again tomorrow. Perfectionism only causes stress and will eventually lead to burnout.

7. Buddy up. No man is an island, as John Donne once noted. Develop and nurture a healthy network of friends who will support you in your endeavors. You will need them when the going gets tough. I believe that we carry one another in spirit.

8. Run your own race. Ultimately, only you decide how you will run the race. Nobody else can run it for you. Learn to listen to and trust your own intuition. Dare to listen to the beat of your own drummer.

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Article Tags: boston chicago, comfort zone, energy booster, greatest friend, heart and mind, inner strength, inner voice, marathon, marathons, moods, personal satisfaction, positive outlook, priorities, quebec city, snag, stockholm, traveling companion, woody allen, worst enemy, worthwhile goal



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