Several years ago a fellow runner advised me to take on a saying or a motto to recite during my first marathon. Like most first time marathoners, I never knew what it was like to hit the proverbial “wall,” so it when it happened at mile 22 during the Chicago Marathon…I dug down deep in my soul and recited over and over: “Your body is strong. It is a machine. You have trained and fueled it properly to perform and outperform anything that comes your way. Believe in it. Believe in you. It will see you through.” Some may think my motto is too long, but it worked for me. I successfully finished that race and several after.
I have always valued the power of words and how they can impact our lives. Inspirational quotes are nothing new. Some draw from bible verses, others from presidents or famous and inspiring individuals . Think about the influence of Oprah. Consider the way that leading brands draw us in. Nike’s “Just Do It” motivates us to, well…just do it. A growing number of blogs and individuals are dedicated to helping each of us find that inner voice, strength, and power to tackle insurmountable challenges, pursue life-long dreams, or make significant life changes.
I spend an enormous amount of time pouring over quotes on success, love, how to maintain physical strength and endurance, and how to keep an overall positive attitude. Apps send me inspirational quotes to get my day started on the right foot. These little reminders center me, making me feel stronger and helping me to get through the day as a wife, mother, and friend. Like many woman my age, however, with children who are entering adolescence and college seemingly around the corner, I struggle with who I am. I ask myself constantly if I have accomplished all I had set out to do. Setting a course and staying on it keeps me grounded, moving forward, and feeling productive. But when life knocks us off course, how can we make sure to get back on track, maintain our inspiration, and achieve whatever we have set out to do?
Here is a road map I try to follow at the beginning of each year to ensure that the New Year will bring me nothing but success.
1. Set a plan, not a goal. Perhaps this seems counterintuitive, but too often people set goals and don’t lay out how they are going to achieve them. Would you set out on a cross-country drive without a map? Would you cook a five-course meal without recipes? Could you give a speech on molecular biology without researching, preparing, or planning what you will say? In the process of putting together a road map to reach your goal, you will learn much about yourself and what is both reasonable and realistic for you. A well-laid-out plan that takes into account your strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and potential opportunities will help keep you on track to successfully achieving your objectives.
2. Make yourself accountable. Answering to someone other than ourselves about commitments and goals will help us to stick to our plan. Enlist a friend, find a life coach, or join a support group. Checking in regularly and providing updates, developments, or reviewing obstacles will motivate us to push through, find solutions, and continuously move forward and closer to reaching our goals.
3. Keep to-do lists. I am most productive when I start my day with a list of things to get done. Some of the items may be everyday chores while others are in connection with bigger projects or commitments. To-do lists keep activities organized and the true power of this list lies in the ability to cross things out and visually appreciate what has been accomplished.
Finding and Keeping Your Inspiration
In the New Year...
By Iliana Romero