If you have ever trained for a race (like a 5K for example) you know that the training involves doing just a little more than you are able to do. You might start at a walk in order to get your body used to moving. Then you work up to a 5 or 10 minute jog the next day. As the days become weeks, you push yourself to the point where you are running for 30 minutes straight. You might not be winning the race…but you can finish! You went from not being able to run 1/4 mile, to being able to comfortably finish running 3 miles in a row. In other words, you go from “there’s no way I could do that” to “I can do it today…and tomorrow too.” That’s why physical fitness often creates great metaphors for life. The most successful people, in any area of life, are the ones that are willing to consistently make themselves uncomfortable. Some people do this because other people tell them to do it. They go to work when others tell them to go, even though it’s early (or late) and they do it every day. They do the tasks that are hard. Often they work within a common vision to create something. Those who are willing to do this over and over and over become the world’s best and most dedicated employees. Others are able to force themselves into the unknown. These are the people, with little or no supervision, do the things that most people are unable or unwilling to do. They make the prospecting calls every day, calling people they don’t know. They create the video and put it out into the world. They create the company, and take on the risk to try to make it happen. They get up an hour early to lace up their shoes and work out. Either way, they know the thing they want to achieve will take them being uncomfortable…a lot. Then they do it anyway. The interesting thing is, just like in the 5K, if you continually push yourself to do the uncomfortable, it becomes easier. The task that was agonizing can become mundane. The thing you dreaded can become routine. When that happens, you have probably broken through a barrier in performance that will lift you up. And then it might be time to get uncomfortable again. P.S. If you are looking for a race to make you uncomfortable (but still be a ton of fun) you can check out the Hasseman Brewing 3.17 Mile Run on St. Paddy’s Day in Coshocton. There will be great SWAG and beer! It will be hosted at the Coshocton Yard. Register here! Make sure you never miss an update. Sign up for our VIP newsletter here. We send one email per week with all of the content from the week. Feel free to sign up today.
