I was talking with my son yesterday and he was feeling disappointed about a 100m race he participated in. He’s been running for a while now and was doing really well, but last month he changed age bracket, from under-12s to under-15s. He’s now racing against The Flash, Usain Bolt and a teenage gorilla wearing Nikes! At least that’s how he feels. He’s aware that he’s younger, smaller, slower and has hit a turning point in his ‘running career’. It’s the point where he needs to choose either P or Q:
Option Q = Quit
Option P = Persevere
He’s talking about quitting. We talked about it and he really does think he will not be as good as they are – he was 2 seconds behind the winner – that’s a lot for a 12 year old when you’re only moving 100 metres! For him it is make or break.
Have you ever felt you’re at a point where it’s make or break for you? It’s that place between moving sitting down or carrying on. It’s that place where your mind and body are crying out STOP!!!!! It’s that place where you think you might be able to make it, and that thought is then beaten down by seven reasons why eating a burger and watching a movie is a better idea.
Have you ever felt you’re at a point where it’s make or break for you?
What do we do at those points?
We choose Option P or Q.
Lets go for Option P.
Perseverance is not an easy option. It is the choice of hard work. It is the option of pain in many circumstances. It requires you to face your fears square in the eye and tell them you’re going down mister! It will mean changing your mindset from maybe I’ll quit to No matter what!
Perseverance requires you to face your fears square in the eye
and tell them you’re going down mister!
No matter what, I’m going to get faster.
No matter what, I’m going to write that book.
No matter what, I’m going to lower my cholestoral (even if soya products are tasteless!)
No matter what, I’m going to pass that exam.
No matter what, I’m going to find a job.
No matter what, I’m going to make my relationships work.
No matter what, I’m going to hold my head up high.
No matter what… fill in the blank.
My son got up this morning, got his sports kit ready for athletics and cricket practice later today, and left for school. He’s choosing today to run harder, and get stronger. Today he is saying no matter what, I’m gonna make it!
We all have out own reason to say no matter what. The question is, will we say it, and will we follow through on it. Saying no matter what is one thing… living it daily is another, but it starts with making a commitment to complete what you have begun… no matter what.
Stuart Writing 