(Originally published on LinkedIn, Published on April 3, 2018)
In November last year, I ran my first official 5K run with my son. (My lessons from that first-time experience.)
In the past few months, my wife and I have been practicing for a 10K run. Of course, the 5K lessons still were very much relevant, and also got a whole new meaning…but at the same time, I think I witnessed a lot of other things – new things that are worth sharing.
This list of things that come to my mind, not only helped us complete our 10K run successfully, but also are great lessons in this race of life.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, a successful business person, a teacher, an athlete, a student or just a learner – like me – I am sure these insights will help you. If nothing else, they may just remind you of some of the most important lessons in life that we normally ignore.
Surround yourself with Dreamers (and Achievers).
Table of Contents
Why is that important? Because dreamers are contagious. They not only share their dreams with you, but they also inspire you to dream BIG! And it all starts with a dream. At the same time, it is also important to recognize the difference between daydreamers and achievers. Surround yourself with people who share your dreams, will inspire you in good and bad – and will keep you on track. Especially when you are on a downward spiral, they’ll help you get back on track. Our team of dreamers who wanted to do the 10K helped a lot in keeping us stay on track.
Set a Goal.
A dream without a deadline is just that – a Dream. Put a date to it. Make it real. Make it a goal – that you can visualize, measure, and at the end – realize it!
Keep Moving. Make progress every day.
It doesn’t matter if you move a mile, a meter, an inch, or just a centimeter. What is important is to keep moving. Make progress every day, however small. It adds up quickly. And most importantly, it keeps your motivation high, (On a side note, social media and technology help too to stay connected and share your progress).
Winning or Losing is secondary. Participation is a Must.
Sometimes in life, we get too focused on wins and loses. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose. What matters is if you are participating? Showing up is a must. If you have made a commitment to do something, then do it. Don’t worry about winning or losing. You do your part by putting 100% in what needs to be done – and leave the rest to God. Doesn’t matter if its hot or cold, dark to bright, healed or sore – when you gotta do it, you do it.
In the end, Love is above everything else.
People will come and go. Some will be fast, some will be slow. But above everything else is someone you love. Not only did this 10K help physically and mentally but it also helped us connect at a different level spiritually. Knowing that there is someone to share the path of life with – whether its 6.2 miles or 62 years, is a great feeling. Specially when that someone special is the one you love – in my case that’s my wife Pallavi who was the reason for my 10K run, and she was with me all the way to end – well in the end I let her win over me by a few seconds, but that’s just because I am a gentlemen, and I believe in “Ladies First!” đŸ™‚
For the 5 other things visit my previous post – Lessons from my 5K run
So, if you are waiting on any of your dreams – take the big step today. Make them your Goal! Do it now. Go the extra mile and make sure your loved ones are by your side!
YOU CAN DO IT!