What is Your Running?

I run.  I like to run.  Running is my time to reflect, to think about the day and to all around focus myself.  It's the time of the day when it's just me, my thoughts, my focus and my drive to push a little more.  Tonight while I was running I had a realization that I'm getting faster and my endurance is improving (in actuality, I track all my runs with NikePlus).  One thing I should mention is that I'm not running as part of a training program to eventually run a marathon, 10km run or even a 5km run...  I'm just running to get better.  I don't tell you this to boast, because there are a lot of people out there who run faster than I do and have better endurance.  I'm writing this because my big thought when running tonight was a hope that everyone else is pushing themselves too.  Are you?

We all have running.  However for you, your running may be your profession, being a great parent, some other sport, a hobby, playing video games or any other activity.  But for me, it's running.  Here's the thing...  No matter what your running is, you need to be pushing yourself to improve.  Don't just settle with the results you're getting today, get better.  Be progress!

Even 1% improvement each time you do your thing will eventually get you to 100% improvement.

When I'm running or focusing on any other facet of my life where improvement is a focus, which by the way is everywhere, here are my personal reminders and mental "shots" that keep me focused.

When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.

We don't grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges.

Success is Choice and Discipline.  Discipline is doing what needs to be done even though you don't want to.

If not now, when?

Now go out there and be the progress you want to be.

Mike

6 Principles for Personal Greatness

I came across a list in the office today.  The list was sitting on the printer and after walking around the entire office no one laid claim to it so I could not find out where it came from.  Google wasn't even able to help me find a source to give credit.  The list consists of 10 principles related to business and personal success, but the 6 principles focused on personal greatness or mastery really stood out to me.  I hope you can find some inspiration as I did.

1. There are 5 stages in life:
- In your 20's, you enter a season of Learning
- In your 30's, you enter a season of Editing
- In your 40's, you enter a season of Mastering
- In your 50's, you enter a season of Harvesting
- In your 60's, you enter a season of Guiding

You can shorten the process; but you can't skip a step.

2. You are entitled to NOTHING.  You gotta work your tail off for great results and get used to playing outside your comfort zone.

3. If you are happy, notify your face.

4. Procrastination can be avoided by setting a self-imposed deadline or by recognizing the reality of an actual deadline.  Write the deadline down.

5. Don't let your principles change; but frequently change your processes.

6. Thoroughbreds like hanging out with thoroughbreds, they don't like hanging out with donkeys.

If you know where these came from, please give them a shout-out in the comments below.