Lately I’ve reflected on a recurring theme in my life. Endurance. The first thing that comes to mind are the rigorous and often cringe-worthy OrangeTheory Fitness workouts I used to embark on prior to the pandemic. There were days known as “Power,” “Strength,” “Endurance,” and “ESP.” While no workout was easy, I looked forward to the “Power” days and dreaded the “Endurance” days. Endurance days were filled with longer time blocks filled with repetitive exercises that had my body trembling and my muscles screaming—begging—for me to stop. Endurance days were boring. They provided no immediate satisfaction or dopamine hit. And they hurt.

Some things continue to resurface until we’ve worked our way through them. That seems to be the case with me and endurance.

I have set forth some pretty large goals this year—goals that will easily take years to achieve. Like a sprinter in a marathon, I started off full force with lots of energy and endless enthusiasm. Rather than taking a steady pace with incremental progress, I launched off that starting line like someone on fire. Three months later I am starting to fizzle and I am plagued with questions like…

• How much more can I keep doing when I’m so tired already?
• When will I see traction or results?
• Do I really want to do this?

Those are just a few of the questions and self-doubts that have reared their ugly heads and I’m not even close to reaching the finish line.

In a blog post published by marketing guru Seth Godin in January 2020, he shares,

“….it turns out that real progress comes not from measuring ourselves against everyone else’s pace, but in building habits. And habits come from streaks.

You’re almost certainly never going to win a 26-mile marathon, but if you train every day, you’ll finish one.”

So, for now, I am reminding myself of this and hope you will, too. Some days feel like a slog. Perhaps if we build new habits, stay committed, and celebrate the small milestones on our longer journey, we will complete our respective marathons. Keep on keepin’ on.

Hat tip to your success,

Stacey