Overcoming Challenges

"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they are supposed to help you discover who you are." - Bernice Johnson Reagon

This year's Atlanta Peachtree 10K Roadrace is over and 55,000 runners gave it their all. From highly trained athletes to the casual walker, each one faced and overcame the challenge of completing this 6.1 mile course on a warm July 4th morning.

For me, the challenge was to volunteer for this great event. Even with the training I had taken to run this event again, it was the spirit of volunteering that moved me. The ability to see some great runners finish and the excellent wheelchair athletes were fantastic. And then there were the thousands upon thousands of individual runners I was able to cheer and congratulate at the finish line.

With these challenges behind all of us, a new one comes before me. The Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. A 13.1 mile excursion down Peachtree Street the morning of Thanksgiving ending at the home stadium of the Atlanta Braves. So it will be a big challenge for both myself and my wife.

For each of us, challenges occur not only in the running or sports world, but they occur in our everyday lives. Each day, a new challenge can present itself to us. The idea is to tell ourselves that we can accomplish the task. To overcome the challenge and find new opportunity beyond it.

Are you defeating yourself before the start by not believing in yourself? Or are you starting with the belief that you can overcome anything? Phrases such as 'going the distance' and 'finishing strong' are words that you tell yourself. But you have to believe in them as well.

Believing in oneself is the first major step in overcoming any type of challenge, the rest is just hard work. Overcome your fear of failure, believe in your ability to overcome any challenge in life.
_

Overcoming Again

Benjamin Franklin left us with many great things that have survived and remain relevant even today. Many see him as one born into greatness and a life of ease. But this is far from the truth of the obstacles he had to overcome.

One of the things he did was serving as an apprentice in a print shop to his older brother. Now you have to understand the time and place this occurred. This would be in Boston back in 1718 and was basically indentured to perform the menial tasks while learning the trade. His brother was much older and would take out his frustrations on Benjamin by beating him.

Benjamin persevered and was able to see that there was another way. During these times it would mean trying to gain his freedom from his apprenticeship only to find that no one would hire him as his brother had put the word out. So it was through various means he set off for New York, nearly penniless and no letter of recommendation in order to get hired.

To read about his obstacles or ‘rocks within his wagon’ is quite astounding to read. But I will not say that his trials and tribulations were any more then what someone else may have endured. As I’ve said before, tell me your sad story and I’ll tell you a hundred sadder stories.

As I read on Franklin though, he didn’t let these issues deter him or lessen his enthusiasm to better himself in life. Much like you need to do in life, continue with a positive attitude to overcome whatever confronts you.

Benjamin Franklin said when writing his autobiography, “as I reflect on my current happiness, I can honestly say that if I were given the opportunity to live my life over again from the beginning I would do so.” He goes on to say that he would like to correct certain things in life...but knowing if he could not he goes on to say, “nonetheless, even if both requests were denied, I would still accept the offer.”

Make what you can of life in such a manner so that you can say without pause that you would accept the offer to live it all over again.

Now That's What I'm Talking About

Words of inspiration and eloquence and even laughter that flow from my blog seem inadequate at times. Those times are when I read a great book that is crafted with moving grace. Or when I hear a great speaker with wonderous motivation. And like tonight when I saw a movie that tells a story that can move another to greatness.

This movie is called, "The Pursuit of Happyness". Now that's what I'm talking about!

If you take all that I've written and formulated it into a single tale of overcoming and never giving up your dream, then this true story comes very close. It is filled with all of the "un"-happy things that can stand in your way of achieving a dream. It contains the moment that one makes the 'choice' to make change.

Once that happens and movement begins, the obstacles will surely come. But with a brave and believing heart, success can be yours. Watch it if you can at some point in life, see what can happen for you when you pursue 'happyness'. In a quote that I've read, it is said "some pursue happiness - others create it." You must pursue it for no one will simply give it to you. Create the ability to achieve happiness in your life.

Now that's what I'm talking about!