Getting Ready

We are about to head out on our annual family vacation and I don't think we could be any more excited about the trip. This is a time of refreshing that we look forward to all year long with special traditions along the way. It's our time to completely decompress while eating good food, reading a pile of books, and being (mostly) lazy.

The thing about vacations is that you can't just throw your swimsuit in a car and go though (although some might disagree.) It actually takes some planning, cleaning, and shopping to get ready. The stress level leading up to the trip can often be quite high especially in the last hours of preparation. It's the pressure of preparing to leave that gets to you.

You would think we would manage this a bit better since it seems as if we are always preparing for something. We are constantly getting ready for a new phase of life, a big event on our horizon, personal growth, and changing seasons. The truth is that all of life is based on preparation for what is next. I would hope that my recognition of this would make the process a bit less stressful, but apparently that isn't always true. I've actually got to take the time to stop and enjoy parts of the journey (like a well-timed vacation) to see how preparation makes a difference.

Taking Advantage

This morning brought cooler than expected temperatures to middle Georgia as we woke to readings in the low 60's. With the incredibly hot summer we've already had this was a very pleasant break even if it was only for a day. When we first noticed these predicted morning temps, my wife and I both planned an early morning run. We've been dodging the heat for so long we didn't want to miss this opportunity. I'll admit my body could have used the rest, but I wasn't willing to forfeit this chance at fall-like conditions.

Sometimes we have to push ourselves a little harder when an opportunity presents itself. It may not come at the most convenient time, but if we don't take advantage of this chance it may be a while before another one rolls around. Seizing the moment in front of you means you have to be paying attention and be ready to jump when it arrives.

To the Finish

Sports teaches so many valuable lessons that can often be difficult to learn. That was painfully clear this Monday to American runner Molly Huddle. She was competing in Beijing in the World Athletics Championships in the 10,000 meter race. She had put herself in position to win the bronze medal, but slowed slightly at the end to celebrate and was barely passed by a fellow competitor. Instead of being on the podium she was bumped to fourth place and received no medal for her efforts. It's not difficult to see she would have finished in the top three if she had held off her celebration until after crossing the finish line. I feel confident in saying Molly will never finish a race again without running completely through the finish line.

Finishing well is not necessarily something that comes naturally. Sometimes we're guilty of celebrating progress too early and not following all the way through to completion. If we take our eyes off the goal too soon, we might not finish as strongly as we hoped. This dedication to finishing strong is part of our relationships, personal goals, finances, parenting, and professional desires. This doesn't mean we can't stop to celebrate milestones and victories, but that we need to do it at the right time so we don't miss out on big moments.

I don't want to be disappointed in myself because I let up two steps too soon.

Good Fuel

My wife has reminded me lately that I’m going to have to adjust my eating habits as we continue to train and improve our health. I can’t expect to see great gains and improvements unless I’m eating more calories and better sources of dense nutrients. My eating habits have been very disciplined and focused for almost the past year, but I have to take it to another level to see the results I’m hoping for. I’ll admit I’ve fallen into some fairly predictable fueling patterns and need to change things up.

I need to give more careful consideration to what I use to fuel all of my body—mind, spirit, and relational too. If we don’t vary what we take in we’ll end up with very predictable results that don’t allow us to grow beyond our current state. This isn’t a free license to take in whatever I want to because some things are just not healthy for me. It is a challenge to vary what I read, who I listen to, and the things I allow to influence my thoughts to give me a chance to stretch myself in new directions.

Defining the Competition

Yesterday I wrote about the significance of understanding that I am in competition with my own expectations. Recognizing that truth is key, but I also have to clearly define it so I know what I am up against.

When I’m striving to be a better man, the biggest threats come mostly from inside of me. While outside factors obviously influence me, I react differently based on how I am succeeding in my internal fight. My success in the competition with myself will determine how well I navigate the challenges in front of me.

Often it’s the battle of the weight of my past decisions that hinders my growth. Sometimes it’s the frequent reminders of my own shortcomings and weaknesses that I can’t escape. Frequently it’s the internal conversations that can spin into negativity instead of being positively centered. When I am winning this competition I feel as if I can overcome any obstacle. When I am losing this battle even little things can knock me off course.

To become the man I want to be I have to be aware of this competition and fight diligently to overcome the wrong type of thinking. These are battles I have to win if I’m going to get further down the road.

Always Competing

I was running early this morning to beat the heat and came up the block to find three runners down the street in front of me. Immediately, I thought about the need to pass them and leave them behind me. We weren’t in a race and there were no medals being awarded, but I still felt the urge to run faster than them. As I closed the distance between us I told myself that I wasn’t actually in competition with them, but I was really competing with myself.

Even in a road race I know I’m competing against my abilities and best time. While my objective may be to finish in front of someone I’m not racing against their personal record and pace, but my own. This helps me avoid the trap of comparison as I don’t have to live up to their standards, but only my own. There is freedom in this mentality that affects other areas of my life as well. I don’t have to be a better man, husband, father, pastor, or friend than anyone else. I just need to be better than I was yesterday. I’m not stuck trying to live up to anyone’s version of what I should be, but simply letting God work in me daily as I follow this path He’s given me.

Good Words

This week I had a few people compliment me on my continuing physical transformation as I approach a year of lifestyle change. Even though this is now a regular part of my life the encouraging comments from others helps me stay focused. It was part of my motivation today for not taking a day off, but doing some form of exercise to maintain my progress. It's amazing how even small, positive statements can help us stay on track.

There is great power in being encouraged and appreciated. Our self esteem increases when we are affirmed and are made to feel valued. When our efforts are noticed it builds confidence and helps create a sharper focus on beneficial behaviors. I like to think that I am intrinsically motivated, but I also understand how extrinsic affirmation motivates me as well. I need a blending of both to keep moving and I think most people do too. My own appreciation for these comments should spur me to provide the same encouragement to people around me.