Exhilarating Goal Setting

"Set a goal to achieve something that is so big, so exhilarating that it excites you and scares you at the same time.  It must be a goal that is so appealing, so much in line with your spiritual core, that you can't get it out of your mind.  If you do not get chills when you set a goal, you're not setting big enough goals." - Bob Proctor

After weeks of training, I found myself 50 feet from the starting line. I waited for the gunshot start to go off.  This was it.  I was about to come face to face with a goal I had set for myself only a few weeks prior. I wanted to run a 10K. (6.2 miles).  I am not an experienced runner by any means.  I've only ran two other races, and they were 5K races.  When I decided to start training, 6.2 miles seemed so far out of reach.  By the end of the third week,  I reached my last "long run" before the race at 5 miles.  While standing at the starting line, I had so many feelings going through my mind. My morning had not started off ideally.  I woke up later than I anticipated.  I did not have a chance to eat much of a breakfast.  I felt rushed.  Was I really going to be able to run 6.2 miles?  BANG! A rush of calmness came over me, and off I went.  I felt in tune with nature.  My mind no longer wandered.  I was 100% consumed with this goal.  It consumed me, and I was determined to finish it.  Around mile 3, I decided to push my pace.  Around mile 5, I remember having a bit of an emotional release.  Happy that I set this goal, and stuck to it, and sad that I knew the experience was soon coming to an end.  I told myself to suck it up, and enjoy the time I had left.  By mile 6, I could see the finish line. I was exhilarated, and couldn't wait to cross the finish line. My body covered itself in goosebumps as I became closer to the end of my journey.  I heard people cheering, and took one of my earbuds out of my ear.  The sounds of clapping, and yelling warmed my heart.  As I took my last few steps while I crossed the finish line, I felt pure accomplishment.  Success! I did it! Not only that but I estimated my time to be 1 hour and 15 minutes.  I actually finished at 1 hour and 7 minutes.  Whaaaaat???! No way!

What I learned from running the 10K is that I really can accomplish anything if I set my mind to it.  Now, I've set myself another target that has me intimidated and exhilarated! I am planning to run a half marathon this fall. Crazy, huh? You know what's even crazier? I'm getting married the week after the half. That will be one busy month! But I want to do it. My mind is set! :)

 I want you to establish a goal for yourself.  Something so magnificent, people won't think you can do it.  Then do it! What does that goal look like for you? Do you want to start a business? Do it! Do you want to go rock climbing?  Do it! A little background on my 10K goal. I am a novice runner.  I had 3 weeks to prepare for the race. My very first run was 3 miles. I had to stop and walk many times during the 3 miles. My final training run was 5.0 miles, and I didn't walk at all. You can do anything! Go do it! Life is short. What is something you've always wanted to do, but have never tried?  I'd love to hear about it!