This picture is not my plaque of medals.
This is, however, a representation of my goals. In 2018, I set a goal to run one 5k a month for the entire year. For my last 5K of the year, I asked some of my coworkers to run with me, to support a non-profit organization that is dear to my heart. Two of my co-workers had never run a race. If you are not a runner, running a 5K is HARD! It takes physical and mental stamina to make it to the finish line. I was incredibly proud that they both finished the race. The feeling of accomplishment at the end of doing something hard is such a reward. I can only describe it as pure joy.
With that being said, I was still surprised when one of them decided to make my goal, of one 5k a month, her goal for 2019. I inspired someone to reach for a goal they never even considered. I didn’t plan on continuing the same goal into 2019 but I did. I did it to support her and encourage her. We signed up for races together. When I finished first, I would double back to find her and push her to reach for a new personal best. After every race, seeing her smile at her own accomplishment brought me more joy than completing my own race.
This is just one example of how I’ve inspired someone to reach for more. Being able to coach someone else to succeed is so fulfilling. Since my brother died in 2006, I’ve been searching for my purpose. I truly feel that the reason I am on this earth is to help others set and reach their goals. I want to provide perspective on their problems, I want to offer possible solutions, instead of excuses and complaining. I want to show people how negativity is bringing them down. Changing mindset is one hundred percent part of having a happy and positive life. I’ve seen it happen in my own life. Sharing what I’ve learned with others and showing them how my life has changed is what brings me joy.
I recommend that everyone complete at least one 5K in their lifetime. Unless you live near me, I won’t be able to encourage you to finish in person, but I know that you can do it. The only way you can’t do it is if you tell yourself that you can’t. Maybe you aren’t ready to run (or walk) a 5K, but I challenge you to try something you’ve never done. Do it just to say you did it. It might be hard, and it might suck while you are doing it, but I promise you’ll smile when its over.
“The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.” – Benjamin Mays
Until Next Time,
Sherry