Race day is about individual excellence. And the race of life is exactly like that. 

It’s powerful to live life on your own terms. Yes, it’s scary. But it’s definitely more fulfilling. Even if someone else’s life seems perfect, you’re called to be faithful to your own race. 

You might have set career, personal, or business goals you want to achieve. Comparison and envy may tempt us but we can come back to the truth of who God says we are. Don’t lose sight of the end goal and in turn, lose sight of yourself.

You’ll never change anything when you’re trying to be like someone else that’s why you need to grasp The Importance of Running Your Own Race in Life. It will help you build rock-solid confidence. So the sooner you learn to do this, the better.

Many people sadly spend every second of their lives chasing an ideal that was never meant for them. You have a unique and valuable contribution to make in your own sphere of influence. This could be in your home, work, business, or at church. Start competing against yourself. Compare you to you.

The Power of Running Your Own Race

Do you know what I love most about running a marathon? I love many aspects of racing. I love the endorphins. I love being looked at as a little crazy. I love the challenge and the community. 

I love the swag and medals. But all these are just gravy. What I love more than anything else about running a marathon is that I’m not trying to beat anyone else except myself. I love how it is a sport full of community, but it is also about individual performance and achievement.

Runners are all participating in the same race, yet their goals, their game plan, and their training are all unique. Unless you’re an elite, running isn’t defined by winning the race. Rather, winning is defined by individual accomplishment.

Isn’t this the same with life? Individuals can have different goals and different game plans, yet both can win their own race.

I love the marathon because, rather than trying to beat each other down, runners encourage each other to keep going. They know that they aren’t competing against each other, they are only competing against themselves.

Winning is defined by individual accomplishment.

When we realize that same thing in the game of life, we can use it as fuel to drive us closer to our goals and dreams, and we can encourage and help others do the same.

It’s so different from the corporate arena where your manager doesn’t want you to know all that he does because he wants to keep you where you’re at. He doesn’t want you to surpass him. Sometimes work is a cutthroat environment, and there is a ton of competition and insecurity. It’s almost a fend-for-yourself mentality where only one can win.

Key Lessons from the 2018 Boston Marathon

At the 2018 Boston Marathon, we saw the camaraderie and encouragement that played out. It was a beautiful thing to watch. On this crazy day with a 30-degree chill, drenching rain, and 25 mph headwinds, Desiree Linden felt terrible and wasn’t feeling her race that day. 

She was in pain and had intentions of dropping out. The conditions proved difficult for most. 

So she decided, “Why not help someone else?” Fellow Olympic runner Shalane Flanagan was near, so she reached out and let her know she may need to drop out, so she could help her, be her headwind, or whatever else she needed for the time being.

Flanagan had to stop at the restroom, and Linden even stopped to wait for her. Linden knew the principle that even though it looks like they are competing against each other, they really are just competing against themselves to be their very best. 

What happened? Somehow, Linden got a second wind after stopping at the bathrooms and went on to not only finish but also become the first American woman to WIN the prestigious Boston race. What did she do? She took her eyes off herself and encouraged another runner.

The Importance of Running Your Own Race in Life

The most important mindset principle for success when you’re competing as a runner is to stay focused on the ground in front of you. If you’re running a marathon for the first time, you shouldn’t spend too much energy too early. 

While this may inspire fear in the other runners and make them think they’re losing. But those who come up with their plan, don’t worry about the person ahead of them. They maintain their pace, stick to their goals and training plan and they’re likely to finish near the front.

To win in the race of life, you need to grasp The Importance of Running Your Own Race. 

Running Your Own Race is an Act of Obedience to God

Chasing your life goals at your own pace allows you to hold onto God’s promises and find strength and hope. It leads you to know your identity in Christ which becomes a firm foundation that you can stand on.

Being true to who God designed you to be in an act of obedience to His will and purpose for your life. And there is always a reward when we are obedient to our Heavenly Father.  

God uniquely created each of us with our own skills, talents, and gifts. These allow you to fulfill your own unique purpose.  The race you’re running is for you alone. 

The most important person whose opinion matters is God. Don’t allow the voices of people to overshadow His voice. Stop worrying about what others think and say of you because you have no control over that. At the end of the day, you’ll be accountable to God and not to people.

“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

Galatians 1:10 (NASB)

Focusing on your own goals allows you to thrive

We have different passions, experiences, skills, and opportunities giving us all a unique race to run. You end up being exhausted trying what different people are doing and trying to fit in with it all. 

Running your own race allows you to know your strengths and operate within them. When you pursue goals in God’s way, you thrive.

It’s so empowering to stay true to yourself. Live your own life in the way that brings out the best in you. Set your own rules and path. Every human being is a masterpiece, created for their own work on earth. 

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Running your unique race teaches you to accept and love yourself

Most of the time you may find that you feel good about your personal life. You’re a successful entrepreneur, a doting mother, an amazing wife, or a valuable member of your team at work. You’re content until you see someone better than you in any of those areas. 

Then you start to doubt yourself and feel less than. You start to drown in stress and become resentful of those people. The worst thing is you feel inadequate. That you’re not enough. You’re not achieving much and it eats you up inside and discourages you. 

The truth is our stories are a work in progress. There will be disruptions and setbacks along the way. You need to accept yourself and love yourself as you navigate it all. It’s beautiful that we’re not the same. Our life stories may intersect but they’ll never be identical. 

You realize your own version of success 

The truth is success looks different for everyone because our values are different. The vision you have for your life is not the same as mine. For some success is running a half marathon and completing it. A shy high school boy may feel that success is having a best friend. 

For others, it’s having their own businesses. For many women, it’s being the best mom they can be. When you’re falling into the comparison trap it’s important to remember this. 

Social media highlights the success of others and not their struggles. It’s the nice cars, expensive vacations, and flashy lifestyles that we are bombarded with.  This messes with our minds and causes us to be discouraged and discontent with our own lives. Spending endless time mindlessly scrolling on social media is a dangerous habit because of this very reason. 

When you see someone sharing their wins on social media, you can remind yourself that you have your own journey to run. What someone is doing doesn’t have a bearing on what you’re doing. 

Those with similar businesses may seem to be doing better. But it’s time to look at your own plan, pace, and strategy. Don’t waste your precious time feeling inadequate because you can define what success looks like for you. 

Running your own race energizes you

“My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: ‘Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you’ll win…’”

– Carl Lewis

Spending too much time looking at what others are doing can slow you down. Your energy level decreases as you grow tired and discouraged. Trying to run someone else’s race instead of your own causes you to stumble and often fall. 

We are not in competition with each other but should complement one another. The good thing about running the race of life as a Christian is we all want to finish and win the prize but we’re not in direct competition. 

The quality of eternal life is the same for us all. There are no special medals for the top performers. We all get the same medal. That’s why Jesus told the thief on the cross that he would be with him in paradise that very day. 

It didn’t matter that he repented on his final breath whereas others become saved at a young age. Ultimately we’re saved by God’s grace. 

It’s also a lot more fun, encouraging, and energizing to run your own race and focus on your own progress.

Chasing your own goals reduces stress and anxiety

When you compare yourself or your own work to someone else you start to experience fear and anxiety. You realize they’re better or stronger and you’ll never measure up. But their unique gift and talent helps them fulfill their purpose.

You feel less anxious when you run your own race and do things your own way. One way to practice running your own race and being happier and more fulfilled is by keeping a gratitude journal. Tracking your wins and good things each day in a notebook just before going to bed. 

This simple practice helps build momentum. As Dr Benjamin Hardy says “[When you cultivate this habit] you feel like you’re always winning and making progress.”

You learn to collaborate better 

We can learn from the experience of others and allow their journey to encourage us but ultimately we need to run our own race, make steady progress, and reach the finish line. 

It’s far more rewarding to collaborate and cooperate and forge your own path forward in life than it is to compete against others and follow the herd. Remember even if someone else’s life seems perfect, you’re called to be faithful to your own race. 

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”

– Albert Einstein

Knowing The Importance of Running Your Own Race in Life can change your mindset and your journey. It brings joy, hope strength, fulfillment, and ultimately success to your life. 

When you run your unique race, it’s an act of obedience to God, it allows you to thrive, you learn to accept yourself, energizes you, reduces stress and anxiety, makes you realize what success looks like for you, and enables you to collaborate effectively. 

So when you’re going after a goal, remember that you can win too. Choosing your own path on your own terms may be super scary but it’s worth it. Get in the race of life and compete WITH others, not AGAINST them. 

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When you face unforeseen circumstances you can choose to see them as obstacles or use them as opportunities to move you towards your goals and dreams. Dealing with new challenges in a productive way equips you to experience personal growth, purpose, and peace. Ultimately you will become a better version of yourself.

In this blog post, we’ll go through How to Transform Challenges into Personal Growth. These 9 strategies will empower you to navigate life’s struggles with grace and determination.

When you face challenges with curiosity, and a willingness to learn and try new things you’ll find that they’ll become a stepping stone to your success. This is a long-term journey that leads to fulfillment, advancement, happiness, personal growth, achieving your goals, and ultimately success.

Remember difficult situations are temporary. They don’t define you, your family, your career, your business, or your life. Instead, they’ll push you out of your comfort zone and enable you to go through a mindset shift. This is what ultimately leads to the fulfillment of your goals.

How to Transform Challenges into Personal Growth 

Life challenges are an inevitable part of life. But they play a vital role in your personal growth and can even open new doors of possibilities. This can lead you to unlock your potential, develop different perspectives, and build resilience as you learn to overcome obstacles and embrace change. 

Knowing How to Transform Challenges into Personal Growth is an amazing journey that will lead you to achieve personal and professional goals. 

Would you like to know these 9 strategies? Let’s get started. 

Take Time for Honest Self-Reflection

In tough times, the first step is to practice self-reflection. It’s important to be honest with yourself. Self-reflection and doing daily check-ins are part of regular self-care. 

How are you really feeling about what’s going on in your life? Do you have overwhelming responsibilities that are weighing you down? A brave face if not dealt with effectively and efficiently by being honest with yourself can easily lead to a breakdown. You can’t hide from yourself for too long. 

Face the challenges ahead with grace and a willingness to grow and learn from them. Even Bible characters we admire like David were honest with God when they were going through rough times. Be honest about how discouraged and discontent you are. 

“Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

​Psalm 61:1-2 NKJV

When we are truthful, we become more peaceful. We can pray and be honest. When we do, God comes through in the most beautiful way and we find the help and strength we need.       

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset allows you to view challenges and roadblocks as a stepping stone to personal and professional development.  You’re able to approach tough times with confidence, determination, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

When you have this mindset shift, you understand that the present moment which may be hard is not all there is to your life.  It may be time to adopt a different lens about your life or situation. 

Learn from the experiences, and decide how you can make better choices next time. Even when you go through failures, view them as valuable learning experiences that will help you in the future. A growth mindset is a wonderful way to gain wisdom and expand your opportunities. Focus on what you can do differently as some things may be beyond your control. 

Looking at challenges with a fresh look opens doors of possibilities. It gives us hope for a better future. We begin to dig deep and find who we truly are and our purpose in life. 

When you view life challenges as an opportunity to grow, you build resilience and become a stronger person. 

You develop greater compassion for those who are going through tough times. You learn to be flexible, embrace change, become open, and adapt to new circumstances. This leads to professional and personal development. 

Practice Stress Management Techniques

Taking care of your physical and mental health is a key part of building resilience. This includes daily activities such as exercise, running, or meditation which reduce stress. It could be a regular trip to the spa. 

These activities help to give you a clear perspective and take a proactive approach to staying healthy in tough seasons. They also bring joy which becomes a source of strength during those times.

Set Realistic Goals

Challenging times help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness equips you to make good decisions, have grit, and chart a way forward. 

It may be time to evaluate if you have achievable goals. Otherwise, you may be overwhelmed because your goals are unrealistic. Set clear objectives and manageable steps to help you build momentum during difficult times. 

Become a Better Problem Solver

Life’s struggles help you analyze things from different viewpoints and find creative and effective solutions. Are there factors you may have overlooked or alternative situations you may need to consider? 

The choice is yours. Will you grow in this season or shrink back and give up on your dreams? Ask yourself if the hard things you’re going through may allow you to consider new possibilities you may not have thought of before. 

Celebrate Your Success

It’s so important to celebrate small victories when you make progress toward your goals. This gives you motivation and momentum to tackle bigger challenges. 

Celebrations help you believe in your inner strength and ability to adapt and thrive even in the face of setbacks. This equips you to shape a future filled with triumph and fulfillment. 

Stay focused on the positive

Life presents us with good and bad things. We need to learn to choose joy and to have a positive outlook. Remember “This too shall pass.” You need to stay focused on your goals and the bigger picture you want to reach. Don’t dwell on negative emotions and play out worst-case scenarios. 

Life’s struggles are difficult to navigate and make sense of. But what helps is to look at the situation in different ways. Change your perspective. Take a walk and notice the small moments of natural beauty and pleasures that surround you.

View this temporary season as a learning opportunity. Journaling helps you maintain a positive perspective. Journal the beautiful moments, wins, and good things you’re experiencing. 

This gives you a positive attitude during the stressful times. When you focus on the best things God has given you, you start to develop an attitude of gratitude. 

At the end of the day, this collection of stories shows your strength and bravery and you can look back and know for certain that you’ll get through whatever life throws at you. 

When we meet life’s challenges with intention and a positive attitude we can realize that they can be a gift. You’ll experience personal growth and ultimately positive outcomes when you look for the silver lining even in hard times. You can become resilient even in the face of trials.

Become Curious and Learn something new 

Young children like to explore, be inquisitive, grow and learn. But as we become adults, we become stuck and lose our sense of wonder. But it’s this same openness and curiosity that helps us transform life’s struggles into opportunities for personal growth. 

When we are inquisitive, we find the inspiration to move forward and live fully. It’s important to be open to pushing past your comfort zone and watch out for the most beautiful transformation that will happen.    

In the face of challenges, commit to learning something new. It could be something you’ve put on hold for a long time. Read inspirational books, learn a new skill, run a marathon, or start that YouTube channel. 

As you build your knowledge and skills in new areas you’ll find that it’s a great way to reduce stress and improve your mental health and it’s tangible evidence of your personal growth too. 

Another thing you can do is make fond memories by yourself or with your family. When this season passes you’ll be able to look at it with gratitude that you went through it and made new discoveries along the way. Staying curious and open to new information expands your knowledge base and skill set. 

Continuous learning builds resilience. Remember, building resilience is not a once-off event but a lifelong practice that helps you achieve remarkable success. As you develop new skills, gain valuable experiences, and cultivate a positive mindset you become empowered to adapt to any situation and thrive.                                                                                                                             

Build a strong supportive system

On the journey of life, your circle is so powerful and important. In tough times especially, they can offer guidance and, support. They inspire you to stay on the right path and encourage you through every single step of the way.

Your support system could be a close friend, family member, colleague, coach, or mentor. As long as they have a positive attitude and are supportive, compassionate, and kind- these are the people to spend most of your time with. Their different perspectives can empower you to embrace change and make better decisions. 

 Lean on them in the face of adversity. There’s no need to go through it all alone. The good news is it actually improves your relationship and makes it deeper.

How I Transformed Life’s Challenges into Personal Growth

A few years ago, I received a runner’s nightmare for Christmas: An injury. I slipped on black ice during a normal, everyday, easy winter run, and my foot smashed backward underneath my leg, majorly messing up my ankle. 

The very moment I fell, I knew it was bad news because I couldn’t move. I could hardly breathe, and, frankly, I was a basket case!

The pain was real and I was filled with so many negative emotions. How could I be so careless? Why didn’t I just run inside? What am I going to do? Will I be able to run again? I don’t want to go to the doctor! Why Me?

It’s natural for negative thoughts to be the reaction immediately following trauma. But they can become paralyzing if we continue down that rabbit trail. I had to pull myself together and have some emotional stability. My slip and fall was purely an accident.

The pain was real, and so many negative thoughts flooded my mind. How could I be so careless? Why didn’t I just run inside? What am I going to do? Will I be able to run again? I don’t want to go to the doctor! Why Me?

After a few weeks, I had surgery. I came to find out that I not only broke my Fibula, which I initially learned, but I also tore my Deltoid Ligament, and my ankle completely shifted out of place.

Then came the dreaded word: Recovery. The surgeon said I would be completely off my foot for six to eight weeks and then learn to walk with the boot for another four to six weeks! No running for five to six months. This is a major kick in the gut when you’re used to running six days a week.

I rung in the New Year with even worse news: Surgery. I came to find out that I not only broke my Fibula, which I initially learned, but I also tore my Deltoid Ligament, and my ankle completely shifted out of place. Have you had to cope with bad news? Injury? Loss?

After some self-reflection, I realized it came down to a choice. I could choose to have self-pity and spiral myself downward and succumb to the negative emotions and thoughts, or I could choose to overcome and find victory in this unfortunate circumstance.

Our circumstances don’t have to define us. We choose to define who we are going to be through them. I chose to be a victor and not a victim. I chose to learn and grow during this season of slow. 

Even though injury and great wounds really do stink, and I preferred to be back on my feet running and working, I felt like I was called to grow through what I went through, and that’s exactly what I choose to do.

I chose gratefulness and this was a powerful tool in my recovery. Things could have been much worse. I chose to start dwelling on the upsides of my injury. I’d never had a major injury, and now I could understand the mental toughness that is needed to get through it.

I went through a season of slow which led to reflection and renewal. Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up, and those who know me well know that I have one speed, and it’s overdrive! I’m always going, going, going all the time, and rarely take the time to rest.

Walking through that injury helped me to understand and empathize with those who have gone through injury or who will endure it at some point. I could now understand them through their journey and the mental battles that rage with injury.

It takes mental strength to keep going through life’s challenges and not fall into a downward spiral of the “what ifs”, or the depressing feelings that we have or the crazy negative emotions that come. We can choose to be mentally strong as we walk through it, and the best part is that we can grow through it.

Through it all I learned to rely on others, grow my connections, figure out what is truly important, and take time to declutter my schedule. I’ve healed through that injury and I came out a stronger person. 

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Mohandas Ghandi

Whatever circumstances you’re going through, whatever giant you are facing, whatever wall is standing in your way — it may not even be an injury, it may be something else — my encouragement to you is that you grow through what you go through, you learn from it, and you become better.

Life’s struggles provide the richest opportunities for personal growth and learning. They teach us to be strong and have resilience. You develop new perspectives, greater mental toughness, deeper relationships, increased awareness, a better appreciation for life, and clarity on your priorities. 

If you choose to be a victor, you can inspire others and be the person you’re meant to be. Don’t let circumstances or obstacles get in the way of you accomplishing your purpose. Grow through what you go through!  

You grow when you take time for personal reflection, develop a growth mindset, reduce stress, set realistic goals, and become a problem solver. You also need to celebrate your progress, have a positive attitude, and a strong support system, and learn something new. 

The good news is at the end of the day when you apply these 9 strategies, you’ll be proud of the person that you become as a result of the challenges and experiences you’ve faced. 

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Reading is an important ingredient in becoming a leader and succeeding in life. It exposes our weaknesses and helps us discover and develop our strengths. Education doesn’t end after high school or college. We should always be on a growth journey because we will never truly arrive. 

Books are great for sharing the experiences and stories of successful people. We can follow their principles and patterns and be inspired to chase our own dreams. 

These great books are filled with many life lessons that help us break off our rut when we feel stuck and actually go after our dreams. Reading provides a fresh perspective on your situation, views, and life and provides mental stimulation while encouraging us to achieve our life goals. 

14 Best Motivational Books on Following Your Dreams

Dreamers are the world’s inspiration, and I aspire to be just that: a huge dreamer! But how did I become passionate about having big dreams? One key ingredient for me has been….reading!

Many people have dreams but lack the courage to make them a reality. These books touch on important aspects such as personal growth, resilience, strength, overcoming obstacles, and sticking to your goals and dreams no matter what.  

The guidance and strategies of experts and experienced individuals can encourage you even in tough times to keep going. Good books can change the direction of your life by changing your mindset, attitudes, and ultimately your actions.

Do you dream of becoming a writer? Or do you want to be a musician? Maybe you want to run your own business. No matter what your dreams are, these are the best books to inspire you to achieve them. 

An African proverb says it best:

“A wise man never knows all; only a fool knows everything.” 

“A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

William Shakespeare

Let’s get started with the list of powerful books to read!

The Best Books for Children to Follow Their Dreams

When I was younger, it was easy for me to dream. I wanted to be the first woman in the NBA, and my role model was Mugsy Bogues from the then-Charlotte Hornets. He was just over 5 feet tall, but he could also dunk! I thought that was so impressive, and if he could do it, why couldn’t I? 

I wanted to be an author, speaker and co-host of Sports Center with Stuart Scott who was one of my celebrity heroes. And do you know what the best thing about my parents was? They never shot down my dreams and never told me I couldn’t achieve them. Whether they thought they were silly or not, I never knew. That’s a blessing in itself.

As parents, we desire to see our children live a happy and successful life. Our goal is to help them discover their gifts, talents, and passions so they can live their best life. 

We need to empower them to pursue their big dreams. Introducing our children to reading real and imagined books is a great way to help them be courageous and pursue their dreams. 

These books are conversation starters that help them think about what dreams they could pursue and what actions they would need to take to reach them. Most times children also learn how to overcome obstacles, setbacks, and disruptions so they can build resilience.  

With that said these are the top books to help your children follow their dreams. 

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet

This is an inspiring and intriguing true story about Horace Pippin, a child who loved painting and drawing and had to overcome so many challenges and obstacles to pursue his passion.

It’s a story about overcoming personal and societal struggles, perseverance, courage, and navigating life after injury. 

You’ll love the beautiful illustrations, the way Horace Pippin’s life and work come alive, and the sprinkles of quotes throughout the story.

This is a heartwarming book to teach children that our present circumstances don’t control our future journey. We can still push forward and achieve our dreams no matter what. 

What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada 

A New York Times BestSeller and award-winning book, What Do You Do With an Idea? is for anyone who’s ever had a big idea.

Kids always have a lot of ideas about changing the world. The world is harsh already to our children and so many adults say negative comments about their big dreams. 

This a wonderful and inspirational book with a powerful message about nurturing those creative young minds. 

It is a great reminder that we should never discourage our children (or ourselves) when we have dreams that seem too big, too hard, or too different. When we give their ideas space and time, they’ll grow. 

Brontorina by James Howe, illustrated by Randy Cecil

If you’re looking for a heartwarming book about not quitting on your goals despite disappointment, not having all the right tools or resources, and thinking outside the box to find solutions to big problems, this is a great buy. 

It’s a humorous, imaginative, sweet, and inspiring story about a dinosaur with a big dream to dance. You’ll be able to identify with the charm and passion of the main character and love the theme and illustrations. This is one of the most wonderful picture books to buy for your children. 

This Little Dreamer Written by Joan Holub & illustrated by Daniel Roode

This is a wonderful book about 10 memorable dreamers who changed history by creating a better future. It’s an engaging, inspirational, and hopeful book with fun facts and bright pictures. 

It’s a wonderful reminder that we can learn from the experience of others especially those who paved the way before us. 

The Wonderful Things You Will Be By Emily Winfield Martin

Are you looking for a book that celebrates the dreams, acceptance, and love that parents have for their children? Then this The New York Times bestseller is the one. 

This book has an encouraging and uplifting message about the endless possibilities for a child’s future. The bright and bold illustrations bring the story to life and will grab the little one’s attention. 

A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman (Author), Peggy Collins (Illustrator)

This book is about a young girl who is resilient and determined as she faces barriers to education. It’s an informative, warm, and hopeful must-read book about the hardships many children in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries face. 

It’s a gentle way of exposing young children to other cultures and topics like disability and war without overwhelming them. You’ll never look at the color blue again after reading this. 

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle (Author), Rafael López (Illustrator)

Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba’s traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere. 

Through her courage and determination, she became the first woman drummer in her country. The book encourages both girls and boys to follow their dreams in a powerful, respectful, and beautiful way. 

Related: 16 Best Life-Changing Books You Need to Read

Motivational Books about Following Your Dreams as An Adult

I’m always interested in expanding my library, and I’m convinced that the saying, “Readers are leaders”, is absolutely true. 

Reading changes you. It’s not about opening a book and reading it. It’s about applying what you’re reading to your life. Books will cut you open and expose yourself to you. That’s when the results and change happen, and it’s a beautiful thing. 

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” 

— Jim Rohn, author and speaker

When I moved from childhood to adulthood I became stuck. Things got hard. My dreams began to fade, and I now embarked on what is known as “adulting”. I had to grow up, get a job, and be responsible — and apparently, that meant shoving my dreams to the wayside. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way! Dreamers change the world. They are leaders and visionaries for others. They are the world’s inspiration, and I aspire to be just that: a huge dreamer! So reading these powerful books was the key to helping me dream again. 

Reading has been a pivotal part of my personal growth and enabled me to take my dreams off the shelf, dust them off, and refine them into who I am today and the God-given passions that I have. 

I may not be an anchor on SportsCenter (though I do plan to pay my way on there someday as a guest host). I may not be the first woman in the NBA, but I am still in pursuit of writing and speaking, and that passion has only grown stronger! My first book Mind over Marathon is a dream come true!

The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey

Oprah has famously said, “Your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you are meant to be, and begin to honor your calling in the best way possible.”  

This book is filled with guidance, wisdom, and nuggets that will lead to a life of purpose and success. She shares her own experiences as well as the inspirational stories of the many guests she interviewed, including actors, authors, and spiritual teachers.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

If you’re caught in an ending cycle of bad habits that have led to stress and anxiety, this book is for you. The core message in this eye-opening book is that if you understand how habits work and are formed, you can create the habits you need to change your business, community, and life. 

With memorable and easy-to-understand stories you’ll be inspired to develop and stick to new routines and good habits. 

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert is a warm, relatable, engaging, and open writer who shares from the heart with a conversational tone. From her epic adventure in Eat Pray Love, where she traveled the world to find herself and love Gilbert, she switches gears to dive into the topic of creativity. 

In this must-read book, she encourages us to go for the things we love most and not allow fear and self-doubt to hold us back. Filled with wisdom and practical advice for whatever dream you are pursuing, you’ll find creative inspiration to achieve them. 

The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander (Author), Benjamin Zander (Author)

Using uplifting stories and an engaging and light-hearted tone, the authors present twelve breakthrough practices for bringing creativity which leads to personal and professional development. 

You’ll be equipped with tools to reframe challenging situations in positive ways, problem-solve current problems, develop empathy, and improve relationships. The result is a satisfying and successful life filled with endless possibilities. 

The Choice by Og Mandino

This was one of the first self-development books I ever read, and I was drawn to it because it is short and reads as a fictional book but also interweaves success principles throughout. Og Mandino has a way of capturing your attention and drawing you into a place of thinking larger. 

He helps you to see that you were made for more and that the first step in pursuing a dream is the hardest one you’ll take. It’s my favorite book because it made me want to take a leap of faith and pursue my own dreams even though I had absolutely no idea how they would come together. 

The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson (Author), David Kopp (Collaborator), Heather Kopp (Collaborator)

Similar to The Choice, this great book has a fictional twist. Ordinary, who is the main character, sets out on a journey to break out of his Comfort Zone and become Somebody. His friends don’t understand him and think he’s crazy. His family shuts him down. They can’t see why he isn’t satisfied with Normal. 

Ordinary has to learn how to embrace fear, leave his comfort zone, and battle giants to break out of the ordinary and into a land of opportunity. This book reminds us that we were meant to have goals and dreams and to embrace the journey to make them happen.

The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

This is one of my favourite books chock full of pure information. It’s a non-fiction, and there is no storyline. It is all about discovering a dream inside and understanding how to gain a mindset to imagine and think outside of the ordinary. 

The author dives into topics related to curing excuses, procrastination, and failure disease. These are things that many times stop us from pursuing our dreams altogether. 

Other topics include building confidence in ourselves, changing our attitudes, and building good habits. There are so many lessons I’ve applied in my own life. It’s a manual all about changing our mindset about what success is and how to get there. 

Do you know you have a purpose to fulfill? We were all born with seeds of greatness inside of us, and it’s up to us to water them, cultivate them, and bring them to life! 

Reading is one of the key ingredients to overcome fear and self-doubt and dare to achieve your goals. Good books will inspire, motivate, challenge, and change you. They will set you on the right path to living the life of your dreams

Through these 14 Motivational and powerful books on Following Your Dreams, you can gain a wealth of information which is the key to achieving your personal and professional dreams.

The guidance and strategies of experts and experienced individuals can encourage you even in tough times to keep going. Good books can change the direction of your life by changing your mindset, attitudes, and ultimately your actions.

This list of books has helped me to dream larger than I could ever imagine. Do you look at life as a way to pursue your passions, goals and dreams? Grab one of these powerful books and learn from great men and women about what it takes to make those dreams a reality. 

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Fear of failure is part of human nature because we want to excel at what we embark on. You might experience it through feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and loss of control. 

An extreme fear of failure though can result in insecurity about doing things incorrectly holding you back from seeking new experiences, taking risks, venturing into the unknown, achieving your dreams, and negatively impacting your well-being. 

These are the 7 Best Ways to Effectively Overcome Fear of Failure. They are practical steps you can take to overcome fear and crush your goals. 

It’s important to point out that you’ll likely always have doubts especially when you face a new challenge. Before you start, you may not feel courageous. But it’s taking action that helps you gain confidence and build courage. 

Fear will always be there. When you acknowledge it, it won’t have a hold on you and your desire to achieve your goals.  With these strategies, you will be equipped to go boldly in the direction of your dreams, having effectively dealt with the fear of failure.

What Is Fear of Failure?

Fear is a normal part of every human being and when we come face to face with a real threat or danger, it keeps us safe. 

Fear of failure specifically is a fear of shame and an intense feeling of anxiety about messing up. It’s a fear of not measuring up or being judged for not meeting certain expectations or not accomplishing a goal. So you might end up telling people that you’ll probably fail to manage expectations. 

It can be due to a specific event or situation like when you fear the outcome of a job interview. An extreme form of fear can go on for longer periods stopping you from living life to the fullest.

Failure is a necessary part of learning and growth yet in reality we find it hard to deal with it. We don’t fail well because we associate it with shame and embarrassment. But when we do reframe our minds, we realize failure was the best thing that could have happened to us. 

When you feel the fear of failure, emotionally you may feel out of control when trying something new, intensely self-conscious about what others think, have low self-esteem, engage in negative self-talk, or feel helpless. 

Physically you may have panic attacks, sweating, muscle tension, or trembling.

The good news is you can conquer this fear. Be willing to fail because it means you’re that much closer to your victory. Those who fail the most win the most.

Fear of failure will always be there. The key is acknowledging it and not letting it hold you back from achieving your dream. Understand that it’s not an enemy but a teacher.

My Fear of Failure Exposed

My book Mind Over Marathon took about five years to finish! I started with good intentions and excitement, but, for some reason, I also kept stopping. Start, stop, start, stop, start, stop … that’s a long road to run, and you never really get anywhere in that race!

What it all boiled down to, however, was actually the fear of failure. I feared that it wouldn’t be good enough, that it wouldn’t make a difference, that I wouldn’t be good enough. 

That fear can paralyze us from moving forward if we allow those thoughts of unworthiness to infiltrate our minds, and for a while there, I did just that.

What are the Causes of fear of failure? 

Understanding the root causes of feelings of fear you have is a great first step in conquering it. There are the main reasons why the fear of failing exists. 

Perfectionism

No one and nothing is perfect. We may know that but sometimes we think and act in ways that show that we expect perfectionism. When you have high standards for yourself, nothing will live up to your expectations.

This has negative consequences because you won’t appreciate your achievements.

When you have perfectionistic concerns, you’ll be afraid of trying new things because you fear being embarrassed, humiliated, and judged so you don’t even try. Stepping out of your comfort zone becomes terrifying. 

Past traumatic experiences

Maybe there was a specific situation where you failed before. The last time you tried something new, there was a negative outcome. 

Your career ended, your reputation took a knock and socially, you were embarrassed and laughed at when you tried public speaking, you lost friends or even family. It makes sense why you’re afraid of failing again. 

You can’t let your past determine the present. At some point, you have to forgive yourself, be courageous, and move forward in life. 

Negative Thoughts and beliefs

Negative thoughts in your head lead to negative beliefs about what you can and can’t do. These beliefs can hold you back in life and stop you from experiencing your full potential.

Tying your identity to your accomplishments

Who you are and what you do are two completely separate things. While accomplishments give us confidence and boost our self-esteem they shouldn’t define us. 

When we allow our jobs or goals to define us, failure can feel like the end of the world.  We may feel worthless, struggle to recover from it, and move forward in life. 

Childhood Environment

If you were raised in a home where failure was unacceptable, this may have led you to have a fear of failure. If you were always being criticized when you were young, you may fear making mistakes as an adult. 

You may want to be perfect so that you can please others especially those in authority and you feel ashamed, anxious, or even depressed when you can’t do that. 

The Problem with Fear of Failure 

There are many common excuses people use as to why they haven’t started or finished their pursuits. There’s no doubt you’ve heard many of them, or, like me, used them many times!

• I’m too old
• I’m too young
• I’m not good enough
• I’m starting too late
• It’s never been done
• It’s already been done
• I don’t have the education
• I don’t have the experience
• I don’t have the time
• I don’t have the resources
• I don’t have the support

Does any of these sound familiar? Which of these excuses have you been guilty of making in the past? I know I have made more of them than I care to admit. 

Time has been a huge factor for me. Understanding resources and technology is another one I’ve used. The question of whether what I’m doing actually matters or will inspire others has been in the back of my mind as well.

The problem with this thought process is that failure is an absolute necessity on the path to success. You lose your creativity because you’re not willing to engage in trial and error to get to a solution. 

“Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of success.”

Arianna Huffington

Fear of failure can lead to low self-esteem, low self-confidence, lack of motivation, keep us from trying, stall progress, and stop us from achieving our goals.

Living in fear will cost you your dreams, hopes, vision, and plans.

“Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.”

Suzy Kassem

Interestingly, the most successful people are in that position because they have been the best at failing and the most willing to fail. 

People like Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Micheal Jordan, and J.K. Rowling have failed for various reasons and used this as a learning experience. Hard work and commitment were part of their great success. But so was a failure. 

Babe Ruth is another great example. He had 714 career home runs, which is phenomenal. 

But you know what? He also led the American League in strikeouts five times with an accumulation of 1,330 throughout his major league career. That’s almost twice as many strikeouts as home runs! 

He failed almost 50 percent of the time! Yet, he’s one of the most memorable baseball players of all time, and he was elected to the Hall of Fame. Kids imitate him, and adults commemorate him. 

Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, is famous for having said this:

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Thomas Edison

7 Best Ways to Effectively Overcome Fear of Failure

There are a variety of ways to cope with the fear of failure so that you can achieve your goals. As you practice these in your daily life, failure becomes an important part of your journey to success. 

Understand Where the Fear Comes From

The first step to conquering the fear of failure is to identify the source. Is it coming from a fear of rejection? Or fear of the unknown? Past experiences? Your childhood?

When you get to the root causes, you can challenge it and that takes away its power. 

Setting small steps in goal-setting

Procrastination is one of the effects of fear of failure. When you have a big dream, breaking it down into small steps that are more manageable and actionable will motivate you to get started and see results. 

As you experience momentum, you’ll build confidence and realize your dreams can be achieved. This leads to great success. 

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” 

Martin Luther King, Jr.

 Weigh the pros and cons

An effective way to reframe failure is to consider the pros and cons involved. If fear of failure is stopping you from taking on new challenges consider what the potential successes and failures could be. 

This could be done through journaling and it helps you think clearly. Research if you need to. When you have good information, you can make good decisions for your future. 

What is the worst-case scenario? In the grand scheme of things, will it be the end of the world if the perceived failure happens? Can you come up with a plan b or plan c for the worst thing that could happen? 

This will provide stress relief, and give you more confidence to move forward and take calculated risks. Failure is usually not permanent and visualizing a negative or positive outcome helps us not to give the situation more power than it deserves. 

Choose to Learn From Failure 

Failure is a good thing. It can be a blessing in disguise. Even in the worst-case scenario, we can find great opportunities to learn new skills, and strategies and grow. 

There will be disruptions and setbacks on the way to achieving your goals. Is that disappointing and discouraging? Of course! 

But choose to see the potential benefits of failing from time to time. Take the learning experience and adopt a growth mindset. 

Remember there’s no learning, no development, no new experiences if we don’t fail. There is always a silver lining, always. 

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.”

– John C. Maxwell

Be comfortable with being a beginner

When you’re starting a new business, it’s a good idea to do a business plan, set goals, and work hard to achieve them. But remember it won’t be perfect the first time.

You need to be comfortable with being a beginner. You might make losses along the way but as you take small steps, you’ll gain confidence and experience success in the long run. 

A great place to start as you intentionally look to exercise your fear muscle is to try a new skill or hobby. Fail, try again, and get better the next time until you master it. 

Turn to the Bible to overcome fear of failure

The good news is the Bible is a powerful source of strength, comfort, hope, and guidance.  While feeling fear is normal, God equips us to handle it. 

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

In 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

The Bible helps with developing the right mindset to help you conquer even your worst fears. Through God’s word, you can learn to replace the negative self-talk with positive words about what God says about you and your situation. 

There is power in words so create a mental script that you can reach for to overcome negativity. 

Talk to People who can help

Talking to people you trust can be one of the best strategies to overcome fear of failure. This could be a friend, mentor, coach, church leader, or pastor.

When you start a new business, you can learn from business owners who you respect. There’s no need to get overwhelmed when people around you who love you can offer solid advice and a good perspective.

Learning from other people’s experiences is a powerful way to gain knowledge and grow in all areas of life. 

If you have a crippling fear of failure, you can also consider talking to a professional counselor. 

It’s normal to have a fear of failure but it’s important to understand that it can also hold us back from achieving our dreams, seeking new experiences, venturing into the unknown, taking risks, and negatively impacting our well-being. 

There are various causes of failure such as past failures, negative experiences in your childhood, perfectionism, negative thoughts, and tying your identity to your accomplishments. 

There are 7 Best Ways to Effectively Overcome Fear of Failure. These include understanding where the fear comes from, weighing the pros and cons, setting small steps in goal-setting, and choosing to learn from failure. You can also turn to God’s word, talk to someone, and be comfortable being a beginner.

While it is hard to fail, it is much worse never to have tried to succeed. In fact, failure is a necessary step for success. Never let fear stop you from accomplishing all your goals and dreams. 

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To help ensure you’ve got everything you need to win, these are the 4 Essential Ingredients to Achieving Your Goals and making your dream rise.

The reality is that for most people, goal setting is much better than actually taking consistent action to achieve them. It’s easy to think about all those things you’d like to do someday, or even to make a list of all the things you’d like to do by the end of the year or this month.

But how do you make sure that those distant dreams and far-off goals become a reality? You need a plan.

Setting goals is essential for personal and professional growth. However, merely setting goals isn’t enough. To turn your aspirations into reality, you need an effective plan and the determination to follow through. 

Let’s explore the 4 Essential Ingredients to Achieving Your Goals that will pave the way to success. They will empower you to make significant progress towards your goals.

The Essential Ingredients of a Great Marathon

I love the atmosphere of a good marathon. I love the community, victory, and mental toughness that a marathon brings. There are so many life lessons running marathons has taught me. 

A marathon weeds out the weakness of the mind. A marathon seeks out greatness. There are a few essential ingredients that make for a great marathon.

A great marathon needs volunteers and staff. They are the backbone of the entire experience. They are the physical support. They run the expo the day before handing out race bibs and swag. 

They provide water stops and are the medical staff. These individuals guide the runners on the race course, providing direction. The runners’ experience is defined by the behind-the-scenes.

A great marathon needs cheerleaders. It needs encouragers on the sidelines willing to get up early, brave the weather, and cheer at the top of their lungs. The music is blaring, the cheering is deafening, and you hear total strangers cheering you on by name or bib number. 

They bring fun and creative signs to display like:

• “Chuck Norris never ran a marathon.”
• “That’s a lot of work for a free banana.”
• “Run fast, I just farted.”

What’s your favorite race sign you’ve seen? Share below, I’d love to know!

A great marathon needs runners to get in the race. Without the runners, there is no sport. The runners create athleticism on race day, which is why others get inspired. 

A great marathon needs time for preparation.  The race doesn’t come together overnight. It takes much time to plan and organize. It takes months of hard training, discipline, and sacrifice. 

Race day is the fabrication of months of passionate preparation. How a runner finishes is determined by how he trained. Preparation is one of the most important things for a race.

I love the atmosphere of a good marathon. I love the community and the victory and the mental toughness that a marathon brings. A marathon weeds out the weak of mind. A marathon seeks out greatness. There are a few essential ingredients that make for a great marathon.

The 4 Essential Ingredients to Achieving Your Goals

The makings of a great marathon aren’t much different than in the game of life, are they? When you’re in pursuit of a goal or dream, you need 4 Essential Ingredients to reach the finish line.

A great goal needs a Dreamer 

You can’t have a great marathon without the runners, and you can’t have a great goal without the dreamers. These are people who’ve chosen to move out of their comfort zone and achieve a larger goal. They’re the first ingredient in the process. 

A goal is just a wish unless there’s action and a plan behind it. You have to be willing to be decided and get in the fight. Make sure you’re chasing your own dreams and not what someone else wants you to do. 

You need to write down what you want to accomplish in your life and a great way to do that is through a vision board. Be clear on what your core values are as that will need to align with your purpose and vision. 

The single most important thing is to be committed to your goal. If you don’t take action, your dreams will remain in your head. This goes back to understanding why you set certain goals. Being committed even when disruptions and setbacks come your way grows your resilience. It keeps you going even when things are tough. 

Overcome procrastination and keep going no matter what. When you make a consistent effort every single day to prioritize the specific goals you have for your life, you will win. Create the habits and routines that will ensure you succeed. 

Avoid the comparison trap and focus on your own dreams and goals. There will always be someone who’s smarter, faster, and better but let them inspire you to be your best self. 

Take continuous and consistent action, and you’re guaranteed to make progress towards your goals and dreams. When you’re committed to seeing your goals through and working on them even when you don’t feel like it, you’ll win. 

Even taking small steps will add up and lead to success in the long haul. There will be plenty of times where you’ll want to give up especially when you face roadblocks and hard times. In those times remember these wise words: Quitters don’t win and winners don’t quit. So stick to your goals no matter what. 

The amazing thing about achieving your own goals is the person you get to become in the process beyond just the big results. Moreover, when you achieve goals in one area of your life, it inspires you to achieve goals in other areas too. 

While hard work is important and crucial to success, runners also need to take a break. Sometimes you’ll get sick and feel guilty about not working on your goal. 

But this downtime and self-care is important to let your body recover and come back stronger. It also helps to prevent burnout which is quite common as you chase your goals.

Preparation is one of the Key Ingredients to Achieving Your Goals

To realize an important goal you need passionate preparation. Success and achieving your goals don’t just happen overnight. A goal takes time to manifest. It takes mental strategy, physical planning, and hard work. The middle, the preparation, is what determines the outcome.

You can pick a goal and have good intentions, but until you’re willing to take the necessary action, it will remain just a thought — a goal unfinished. 

If a runner isn’t willing to put in the mental and physical training months in advance, race day will not equal a finish of excellence. Preparation is pertinent in pursuing a goal and finishing the course.

There are a few factors you need to take into account here: 

1) Set Goals that are SMART

The first step in crushing your goals is setting goals.  It’s crucial to set clear and specific objectives. Vague or ambiguous goals make it difficult to measure progress and create actionable steps. 

That’s why you need to set SMART goals. These are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By clearly articulating what you want to achieve, you create a roadmap that provides focus and direction, increasing the likelihood of success.

2)  Break Goals Down into Actionable Steps

The second step is to plan how you will achieve those big goals or small goals. This includes breaking them down into an action plan with manageable steps and daily goals. 

Big dreams and goals can be overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller tasks is the easiest way to make them less daunting and more achievable.

Create a timeline or action plan that outlines the key milestones and tasks necessary to reach your goal. Each completed step brings you closer to your ultimate objective, providing a sense of progress and momentum.

3) Learn to Focus and manage your time 

There are so many distractions to our daily lives that it can be difficult to focus on your goals. That’s why it’s important to equip yourself with time management skills so that you prioritize the important tasks you need to complete. 

Turn your phone on silent, and don’t check Facebook ‘really quick’. There are so many opportunities for our focus to shift to something else. Suddenly you may notice housework that needs to get done and unimportant tasks may suddenly feel important. 

Crushing goals is hard work. Focusing on the task at hand takes effort and practice.

Part of managing your time includes developing successful daily habits and routines. I invest in a habit tracker or daily planner. This will help you have the right systems. It’s also important to have a consistent sleep routine so that you’re ready to tackle the day ahead. 

“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to prepare to win. Preparing to win is where the determination that you will win, is made. Once the game test or project is underway, it is too late to prepare to win.”

Bobby Knight

“I believe that people make their own luck by great preparation and good strategy.”

Jack Canfield 

You need tools and resources to reach your end goal 

You need tools and resources to gain an edge and achieve your big goals. This could be life-changing books, leadership conferences, coaches, mentors, podcasts, or online resources and tools that equip you for personal growth.

These key elements are like the volunteers on marathon day. They are there to help the race run smoothly and go off without a hiccup. They are a runner’s guide or road map to a successful race. The tools and resources are your guide or roadmap in your race toward your dream.

You need to be willing to spend a great amount of time learning new skills to help you in the future. This could be learning to lead a team, how to grow your personal brand, becoming confident, or time management skills. 

Being open to continuous learning is a good idea and it will help you with your professional and personal development. 

Accountability is a key ingredient in crushing your goals

A great goal needs cheerleaders. You can accomplish a goal by yourself, but it’s harder and lonelier. Cheerleaders can come in many forms such as a trusted friend, colleague, or family member who is supportive and encouraging as you pursue your dreams. 

You can get accountability when you’re part of a community or coaching program like the Red Accountability Club as well. Anyone can get into the fight. All it takes is a whole lot of training and a willingness to not be normal.

An accountability partner holds you responsible for whether you reach your goals or not. This person is the secret ingredient to reaching your final goal. 

They need to be invested in your well-being and personal development. That person should also be able to give you tough love when you are not making significant progress on your goals. 

When you go through challenges and face life’s roadblocks along the way to your goals and dreams, others will naturally come out of the woodwork to watch you burn. You will in turn be an encouragement back to them because you’re now an inspiration not willing to stay where you’re at but rather striving for more. 

Everyone needs affirmation in some form or fashion. Affirmation that says you matter, and you are worthy. The beautiful thing is cheerleaders do that for you. They can make the biggest impact on the journey to your goals. 

While you don’t need to meet your accountability partner on a daily basis you’d still need to have regular meetings with them. It’s a great thing to have someone as part of the journey who is committed to encouraging you to achieve your goals. 

You can seek guidance from them and celebrate when you realize both small and big results. Remember, on the path to success, your circle matters. 

Whether you’re training for a marathon or pursuing another dream, don’t forget these 4 Essential Ingredients to Achieving Your Goals that will pave the way to success. These include the dreamer or runner, the preparation, the volunteers or resources, and the cheerleaders or accountability partners.

Thank the volunteers as you pass them, and latch onto the appropriate resources and tools to create your roadmap. Ensure you have cheerleaders in your life-affirming your training and ambitions. Be willing to get into the fight rather than just wishing you could. 

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Do the hard work behind the scenes so you can flourish on race day and finish strong.

People tell me all the time they could never run a marathon, and my response back to them is that they sure could! All it takes is a whole lot of training and a little bit of crazy. It’s no different from your dream. Anyone can get into the fight. All it takes is a whole lot of training and a willingness to not be normal.

Red Hot Accountability Club 

You have your goals in front of you! You may even have a good strategic plan to follow to achieve them! But you’re feeling a little lonely in the online space and sick of the hustle culture telling you to do more. 

If so, then the ​Red Hot Accountability Club​ might be just what you need!

A safe space. A faith space. A friendly space. A forward momentum space.

Find community and coaching support inside the group coaching membership so you can lean on others and be inspired to continue working on your goals in the season you’re in with the capacity you have – ditching the stress and hustle altogether! (and ditching social media for business if you want to!)

You CAN work your goals into your lifestyle without sacrificing everything to achieve them.

If you are looking for a positive online community and group coaching experience, come hang out with us in the Red Hot Accountability Club! 

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Do you feel frustrated with a low mood, low motivation, low energy, and general feelings of hopelessness? If life suddenly feels meaningless, and you’re no longer feeling inspired you may be stuck in a rut. Most times you find yourself just doing things on autopilot. 

There are times when I run without a specific intention. There’s something about having a goal attached, but when I don’t, it seems like I get caught in a rut. There are times that my workouts just become a habit, something I do, without purpose. It’s a daily discipline I’ve created, but there’s no purpose behind it. 

I’m running the same pace, the same mileage, and the same route day after day, but I don’t know why I am doing it. That’s a rut — and that’s a problem. Are you stuck in a rut? 

Being stuck in a rut is a personal experience. You might be feeling overwhelmed or losing interest in things you once enjoyed. For others, you might feel like life is just boring or you experience mental fatigue or burnout. 

Getting out of a rut may be challenging but it’s not impossible. These are the 12 Easy Tips to Get Out When You’re Stuck in a Rut. These are the key steps you can take to form new habits, re-engage with the things you love, and enjoy a future rich with purpose and joy. 

With a little effort and intention, it’s possible to be excited about life again, achieve your goals, and fulfill your purpose in life. 

What does it mean to be stuck in a rut?

The definition of a rut is “a habit or pattern of behavior that has become dull and unproductive but is hard to change.” It’s something that we do on a daily basis that has become normal but isn’t moving us forward. 

Sometimes it’s something we thought was beneficial, but even good habits can become a rut if we remain the same and don’t make progress.

When you’re in a rut, you may feel that your day-to-day life has no excitement and that things will never change but that’s not true. You may be feeling both disinterested and dissatisfied. 

These mental and emotional symptoms may lead to procrastination, especially in taking positive actions that will help you feel better and become productive again like sleeping early, setting goals, or planning for the day ahead.

How to Know if You’re in a Rut

How do you know if you’re stuck in a rut? There are some signs and symptoms you can pay attention to. 

Here are some questions I have for you. A mini quiz if you will. See if any of these resonate with you, and I want you to answer them honestly:

• Do you feel like nothing brings you a sense of excitement or inspires you? 
• Are you just focusing on putting one foot in front of the other and getting through the day? 
• Do you struggle to remember the last time you laughed or had fun? 
• Are you out of motivation and inspiration? Even when you close in on a new client or get a new job you’re not even motivated or passionate to work on it and achieve success.
• Does life feel dull and even activities you once loved or your favorite hobbies feel like a chore? 
• Are you sticking with your comfort zone even though you’re not happy?
• Do you want to change and need to change but you’re afraid of failure? Have negative thoughts taken over your mind. Are you stuck in a vicious cycle of speaking negatively toward your current state? 
• Do you feel overwhelmed with your goals and to-do list? Does everything seem impossible to achieve and you’ve started to procrastinate on what’s important?
• Do you feel like you have no purpose and fulfillment in life?
• Do you find yourself mindlessly checking your phone every spare moment?
• Does every day feel the same?

If you said yes to any of these things, that’s a rut! Life should be exciting. Every day should be a new day with new experiences and new growing opportunities. We should wake up feeling alive, not dreading getting out of the covers.

So think about what it is that you do without even thinking about it. Is it beneficial? Is it moving you forward? Is it creating a passion inside of you? To get out of the rut you’re in, you’ve got to shake things up. 

Successful people acknowledge the rut when they see it and shake things up to get out of it.

12 Easy Tips to Get Out When You’re Stuck in a Rut 

A rut is usually a temporary state that can change with the right action. It might seem impossible at first, but you can get your life back on track.

With these 12 practical tips to Get Out When You’re Stuck in a Rut, you can find the help and energy you need to make a change. Even if you’re feeling stagnant, making small changes can lead you back on the road to success. 

Acknowledge the problem

The first step you need to take when solving a problem is to accept that the problem exists. Don’t pretend like you’re not in a rut and just brush it aside. Take time to reflect and be honest with yourself about what’s going on in your life. 

There’s no need to blame yourself. It’s a normal part of life and at one point or the other, most people get into a rut. Rather focus on practicing self-compassion and planning for the specific actions you’re going to take to move forward. 

Even if you don’t know everything you’re going to do to get out of the problem, resolve to be intentional and committed to working through the situation. 

Identify the cause of the problem 

The next step you need to take is to understand what’s causing you to feel stuck. This helps you set the goals to overcome the challenge. 

There are a number of reasons why you may be feeling stuck in a mental rut.  Maybe you’re exhausted and on the brink of burnout and need to take better care of your health and get adequate sleep. 

It could be a temporary situation that will soon pass or a relationship that isn’t fulfilling your needs anymore and you need to assess if you want to stay with that person. 

Maybe you’re struggling with fear of the unknown or fear of failure and it’s keeping you stagnant in your comfort zone. It may be time to embrace that uncertainty is part of life and see it as an opportunity for growth and progress. 

The good news is identifying the cause of your current situation will help you take the necessary steps to address it and shake off the rut. If you’re struggling to understand why you’re struggling, you can also reach out to a therapist to help you along the journey. 

Set Clear Goals

A lot of people feel stuck, demotivated, and dissatisfied because they’ve lost sight of their goals. Or maybe they set goals that were not realistic and they’re now stuck and discouraged because they feel like a failure. 

It’s important to use the SMART framework to set goals. These are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely goals. These kind of goals give you a sense of direction and energize you. In the long run, they inspire you because you have something to look forward to. 

Ensure you break those specific goals into small milestones so you can appreciate the progress you make along the way. This helps to eliminate the frustration you may be feeling. 

ADD WORKSHOP GRAPHIC HERE AND LINK TO IT (GABE CAN DO THAT AFTER FORMATTING)

Practice Daily Gratitude Journaling 

Practicing gratitude every single day is one of the best ways to shift your perspective on what you’re going through. The simple step of starting or ending the day by writing in your gratitude journal will remind you about all the good things that are going right in your life. 

Remember the past experiences that God delivered you from and that He is faithful to help you again with your current situation.  

Make small changes

Being in a comfort zone will stop you from learning, growing, and expanding your views on people, life, and yourself. It pushes you past your horizons and daily routine and shows you that change is possible. 

But you don’t need to make a drastic change when you’re feeling stuck in your current state. You can’t conquer everything at the same time otherwise you’ll end up overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated. 

Sometimes progress is slow and you need to learn to be patient. Move forward making tiny changes in your behavior or changing one habit at a time. As you focus on one thing, master it, and repeat it, you can then move on to the next. This helps you recognize what’s not working so you can adjust or try something else. 

For example, you may need to take a day off work and focus on reflection, planning, and strategizing about how you can love your job again.

Or you may need to read inspirational books to get excited about your dreams again. In that case, just taking 20 minutes to read each day would be a good start and it can make all the difference. 

These smaller, manageable changes may not seem like much in the moment but collectively they’re the best way to take you in the direction you want to go and help you feel energized and excited about your life again. 

Change Your Routine

Even our daily disciplines can become a rut if we don’t grow or change from them. If reading fifteen minutes has become easy and is now just a checkmark that you did it, change it up! Increase it. Start reading 30 minutes a day.

If you’ve been reading but not applying what you’re reading, start there. Reading doesn’t change you. Applying what you read is what makes the difference. Don’t let your discipline just become a routine or just become a habit. They have to be intentional if you want results.

Maybe you need to try something different. Learn new things. Do something for the first time. Trying new things is a good idea as it gets you out of feeling bored and being stuck on auto-pilot. It’s not only young people who need to explore. You can be curious and acquire new knowledge too even when you’re older.

Try small things like talking to someone new and shake up your social life.  Pursue a new hobby and do an activity that keeps you healthy. Use a new route to go to church or work. 

Be spontaneous and add something interesting to your morning routine. It could be as simple as having a 10-minute dance session to your favorite music before you start the day.  Live in the moment and try new experiences.  

Do you sit in the same spot at church, park in the same spot at work every day, or stand in the same spot in your fitness class? Here’s the thing, if you sit in a different spot, you have a different view, a different vantage point. A different view means you can see things in a new way!

I’m a fitness instructor, so I see it all the time. Members get fairly annoyed when someone takes their specific spot, bike, or equipment. Many times I make them move around the room for that very reason. 

I want to shake them up a bit! If you’re in a different spot in your fitness class, you’re surrounded by different people, and you have a new atmosphere!

If you sit in a new spot at church, you may interact with someone you haven’t met yet, and it could bless either you or the other person! You may see this in a whole new way!

Take a walk and reflect on life. Fresh air does a soul good and it improves your mental health and emotional health. Taking a walk outside or hiking helps you relax, enjoy the beauty of creation, lower stress, decrease depression, and renew your sense of wonder. 

For me, when l run l become inspired and come up with so many new and creative ideas for my business. 

Change your routine just a little bit, and you’ll be amazed at the significant change this can have on everything! It might be just what you need to get back on track with your goals. 

Successful people are intentional people. They do things on purpose and for a purpose, and they get what they can out of each moment. 

They acknowledge the rut when they see it and shake things up to get out of it. They don’t choose to remain there. Successful people do whatever they need to do to get out of their rut.

Without mental transformation, the actions we take to “change” may only produce a new place where we continue to do our old things.

— Myles Munroe

Find Your Purpose

One of the human needs we all have is to find our purpose and follow it. It’s one of the most important things that makes life worthwhile. When you’re not doing what you were designed to, you experience a lack of motivation and morale. 

It’s important to look for ways to contribute to your community. Volunteer at a local shelter or serve in your church. Help a friend with their projects or be there for a family member going through a hard time. Do something that makes you proud of yourself and brings you joy.

Connect with other humans and offer professional help to a junior person online or at your workplace. These little things will bring meaning to life, reignite your flame, and along the way you’ll discover your talents, and skills and ultimately bring a sense of purpose.  

Engage in self-care

Making time for self-care on a regular basis is the most important thing you can do for your physical health and mental health. 

It could be something small like a cup of tea, eating healthy food, taking a hot bath, enjoying quality sleep, engaging in physical activity, taking a break from social media or an addictive TV show, or spending time reconnecting over lunch with a loved one. 

These small steps to recharge and reset bring happiness and a sense of excitement into your daily life. You’ll get a fresh perspective, a boost of energy and motivation, and confidence that you can get out of the rut you’re stuck in. 

Remember the best things in life are usually free. Taking care of yourself and making yourself your own best friend is so essential to your overall well-being. 

Let go of perfectionism

The main problem causing you to be in an emotional rut might be the desire for perfectionism. When you avoid mistakes it leads to a lack of personal growth. 

You might be having long work hours but still feel like what you work on is not good enough. It leads to self-sabotage, and burnout and can keep you spinning your wheels for a long time. Ultimately you can even get into a deeper rut. 

If you’re a high achiever, the desire to hold yourself to a high standard is a common feeling. But an impossible standard will lead you to be overwhelmed and stressed. It’s important to let go of this desire for perfectionism and focus on doing your best work. 

Celebrate your Progress 

It’s easy to feel like everything is going wrong. But is it really? There might be positive things happening in your life that are going well. 

You may have made progress on that new project or you’ve been consistent with the new habits you’ve adopted. That’s a great thing and worth celebrating. There’ll always be more to do and room for improvement but you mustn’t let that weigh you down. 

Whether it’s a big win or small win take time to acknowledge it and celebrate your best effort in achieving it. It will make a positive impact on your emotional state and help you get out of the rut you’re in. 

Get Help and Support 

If you’re stuck in the daily grind and feeling overwhelmed because you’re doing a lot of things it might be time to get help. This could be hiring help for example an assistant or Virtual Assistant if run your own business.

Let them take some simple tasks off your plate. You can also consider automating some tasks or doing work in batches. 

If you have a ton of demands at home, reach out to a family member or friend to support you during that season. Most people are willing to help if we just ask. 

Get Professional Help when it’s more than just a rut

A rut is usually temporary so if it happens for a long time with nothing improving then it might be something serious. You may be living with persistent depressive disorder (PDD), or dysthymia, 

You may feel like being trapped in a rut you can’t escape. The symptoms include decreased energy, less interest in daily activities, loss of motivation, difficulty finding joy in life, or having low self-esteem. 

If this is the case, you’ll need to talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional about your symptoms.

Being in a rut is a temporary state where you feel your life is stagnant, you’re doing things on autopilot or you’re struggling to enjoy activities you used to like. So what rut are you in today? Is it in your personal or professional life?

There are 12 Easy Tips to Get Out When You’re Stuck in a Rut. They include acknowledging the problem, setting clear goals, making small changes, changing your routine, and gratitude journaling.

You’ll also need to find your purpose, engage in self-care, celebrate your progress, let go of perfectionism, and get support and professional help when you need it.

What are you needing to change up? Choose one thing this week to change up and see what happens! I bet you’ll find it’s easier to get out of your rut than you thought! Choose today to shake things up and get out of your rut. Even small steps will move you toward the life you want. 

Goals Workshop (free resource)

Are you tired of quitting on yourself and your goals? Are you sick of the hustle culture and want a different strategy? My simple Red Hot Goals Formula will help you create a personalized game plan that works for your capacity in different seasons. You CAN work your goals into your lifestyle without sacrificing everything to achieve them.

In this free workshop, you’ll learn:

• The clarity you need to make your dream real to you without worrying about how it will all come together
• How to craft a simplified game plan that gets results in the season of life you’re in
• The secret sauce to taking action that works, even if you have limited time to make things happen
• PLUS: The #1 mistake people make when goal setting that causes them to quit too soon

If you are MORE than ready to finally take that desire inside your heart from conception to the finish line, this is for you!

The post 12 Easy Tips to Get Out When You’re Stuck in a Rut appeared first on .

That’s why we must evaluate the individuals in our professional and social circle based on their mindset, values, support, accountability, growth orientation, and encouragement.

Surrounding yourself with people who are positive leads you to have a positive attitude and you feel empowered to dream, strive for more, and be motivated. They lift you and you benefit from their knowledge, wisdom, and connections. 

Those who are negative and narrow-minded end up draining your energy and discouraging you. These people can gradually destroy your self-esteem, confidence, and ability to achieve your dreams through their criticism and skepticism. Their negative perceptions lead to self-doubt and self-sabotage, increasing stress levels and insecurity.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of The Power of Your Circle on Your Goals and Success. The direction of your life and ability to reach your full potential is greatly influenced by those you surround yourself with. 

The Impact of Your Inner Circle

Have you ever had a friend you spent so much time with that you started talking and sounding alike? People probably started mistaking you for sisters or brothers. Did you know that’s because you naturally become like those you surround yourself with most?

I went south to Texas for college. I’m from Minne-SNOW-ta, so I was ready to get out of the cold! From the moment I stepped onto campus, I can’t even count how many people commented on my accent. I felt like I was from a foreign country!

Once they learned I was Minnesotan, it was natural to hear, “Like from the movie Fargo?!” Now — side note — if you know your geography, Fargo is not in Minnesota! It’s actually hours away in North Dakota.

Do you remember the children’s television show, “Bobby’s World”? If you’re my age, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you’re younger, I’m just aging myself. But, I’m not kidding you when I say I sounded just like Bobby’s mom.

It went a little something like this: “Oh, my Bobby, you know, just my little buzz buzz, don’t-cha know. I just think this is such a Jim Dandy idea! I just don’t have time for these gee golly … Oh I suppose you’re right!” It sounds like I’m exaggerating, but sadly, I’m not. I am so Minnesotan through and through.

Anyway, let’s get to the point. After being surrounded by new friends with the defined Texan accent and crazy phrases, when I’d travel back home on breaks, all my Minnesotan friends thought I sounded Texan! 

Did I really? No, I just added “y’all” and “fixin to” and “all of y’all” into my vocabulary (something I promised myself I’d never do because I thought it was completely weird)!

So instead of sounding Minnesotan or Texan, I sounded like a crazy mut! It went something like this: “Oh my goodness, dontcha know that I’m fixin’ to go out with all of y’all and have a gee golly good time?”

Why did I sound so much different to my old friends? Here’s why. I was influenced by the ones I surrounded myself with in college, and I slowly changed to fit that mold. 

It’s said that you become like the few people you surround yourself with most, and I know this example is a bit strange, but it’s so true!

We become like those we choose to surround ourselves with. Because of this, it’s important to choose wisely your close friends and your association.

“It is better to be alone than in the wrong company. Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl, but if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.”

— Anonymous

The Power of Your Circle on Your Goals and Success

Our inner circle consists of the people we spend the most time with, such as family members, friends, colleagues, coaches, and mentors. These individuals regularly influence our beliefs, attitudes, moods, choices, and the expectations we have of ourselves and how we view the world.

Who you associate with has a huge influence on your life and the direction you want to take. Whether it’s professional or social connections these small groups of people affect your mood and mindset.

Their positive influences and constructive feedback help us grow and evolve. Our connections have the power to shape our lives in ways we may not even realize

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”

 Jim Rohn, a renowned American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker

The power of your inner circle is in how it impacts you in achieving your goals and dreams. These are 5 different ways they do that.

They boost your morale

The types of people that are in your inner circle should be those with similar goals. These like-minded individuals must be able to inspire you to achieve your dreams. A positive inner circle will encourage you, and help you see things from different perspectives. 

These people must be willing to celebrate your victories. This boosts your morale and encourages you to stay motivated and focused toward achieving your goals. 

Your inner circle provides growth opportunities

Your close friends, mentors, and social networks provide opportunities for professional and personal growth. They open doors to wider networks and associations, broaden your horizons, and help you explore new avenues for growth. 

They encourage you to take smart risks and make good decisions. They are on your side and want to see you becoming better.  

When you surround yourself with ambitious individuals, who share your values and goals, it’s a powerful force that propels you toward success.  You’ll be able to step outside of your comfort zone and reach greater heights. They give you the confidence and encouragement to embrace new opportunities. 

Your circle plays a significant role in tough times

These people will hold you accountable, encourage you in a hard time, and give you wise advice and counsel when you need it. They are your cheerleaders and provide physical and emotional support. 

Goal-driven individuals propel you toward greater success and empower you to overcome the roadblocks in the way. You can be encouraged to bounce back from setbacks, make better choices, and keep moving towards your goals. 

Your connections must be supportive

Your circle should have supportive people who create an environment where everyone pushes each other to personal and business success. It must be a network that can give you the support and guidance you need on the journey to your dreams. 

Their advice, connections, experience, and expertise help you navigate the challenges you’ll encounter and make the right decisions. Learning from the experience of others saves you time, money, effort, and potentially costly mistakes. 

The circle you’re in should improve your well-being

Negative people will make you lose sight of your strengths, skills, and talents. Their discouragement can leave us defeated, disconnected, and deprived of the support we need to thrive and become our best selves. Ultimately they affect our emotional well-being, mental health, and personal life negatively

The positive presence of your social circle should make you feel more connected to others which improves your sense of belonging, happiness, and fulfillment in life. 

A strong inner circle with meaningful relationships impacts your mental health and overall well-being. Their love and support will lift you, and extend compassion and guidance when you need it more. 

The safe space they provide helps to reduce stress and increase your well-being, and resilience.  If the positive energy in your circle is contagious it boosts your mood and confidence. 

How to improve your circle

“The only thing that will change your life, change your business, change your relationship, is that you must raise your standards”.

Tony Robbins 

The standards you have for yourself, your business, and the people you associate with must be high and continually elevating as you grow. So what are some practical ways you can start elevating the standards of the people you are surrounded by?

Do an audit on your current circle of influence

The first step is to take some time to think about what you want your life to look like. What is your vision? Who do you want others to see you as? What do you want to be known for? How successful do you want to be?

Now,  write down the names of the five people you interact with the most.  Your inner circle has a profound impact on your mindset, mood, and motivation. 

The right people will support your goals and dreams and play a crucial role in your personal and professional development. They can spark creativity, and challenge your thinking. 

Be honest as you answer each important question below: 

• Are they in life where you want to be? 
• Are they moving forward and wanting to grow? Are they the person you strive to be? 
• Do you feel uplifted and motivated when you’re around them or drained? What kind of energy do they bring?
• Are you genuine and authentic around them or do you pretend to be someone else? 
• How do they influence your goals, beliefs, or vision? 
• Are they supportive of your dreams or do they discourage you from pursuing them? 
• Do they inspire you to achieve personal development or discourage you? 
• Do you feel better about yourself when you leave them or worse? 

If each of these people inspires and motivates you to be better and to achieve greater success in the future, good for you.  Your association sounds like it’s intact. 

If they aren’t making you a better person, then you might need to reassess how much time you spend with them. 

Take an online audit 

Next, you need to know that the people you interact with online also play a vital role in your life. What message are they sending to help or hinder you from achieving your goals, and your beliefs? Do they uplift or motivate you? 

We spend time in online communities on social media, listen to podcasts, and follow influencers who may be having negative influences on our attitudes and behavior. To become the best version of yourself the next step may be to unfollow, unfriend some people, and leave some groups. 

Minimize your interactions with negative people 

You might have professional or social connections who bring you down, cloud your judgment, and drain your energy and motivation. These people may mock your dreams or constantly criticize you. They will hinder your progress and stop you from realizing your goals and dreams and reaching your full potential. 

Set boundaries with such negative people, let go of toxic friendships, and take steps to build positive relationships. It’s better to have a few right friends than a lot of wrong friends. 

You can also consider having an honest conversation about how harmful and hurtful their behavior and attitude as they may not even realize what they’re doing. This can help to turn their personality around and start making the necessary changes and adjustments. 

Create a supportive and positive circle

If your circle is currently harming your mental and physical health, it might be time to build a new circle. Start connecting with people who bring positive changes in your own life. 

These are the ambitious individuals who set big dreams and take action to achieve them. They increase your standards and can take the role of accountability partner, helping you stick to your goals. 

Build strong relationships with those who provide a supportive environment for you to thrive in. They may even share your hobbies and interests. These amazing people celebrate your small wins and big wins and complement your life.

Friendship goals take intention, effort, and mutual respect. Nurturing connections with different people is vital to achieving your goals.  

You need to invest time and energy to cultivate friendships so that they thrive and flourish. Schedule regular social interactions with people as you invest in your mental health and emotional well-being.  

Commit to your personal growth

My guess is, if you were to really look at the five people who you surround yourself with the most, they are driving the same types of cars, living in the same size houses, have a similar career or salary, and so on. If that’s where you want to be, great.

“If we’re the smartest person in the room, we’re really not using those smarts.”

–Anonymous

But if you want more, find a couple of people who are further along than you and choose to associate with them. Find out what they know. Learn from them. Grow with them. Read their books. 

One of the best ways to be successful is to learn from the experiences of others. These can be coaches, teachers, mentors, or good friends who inspire us to be better.  

Successful entrepreneurs and smart women like yourself surround themselves with someone more successful and more intelligent than themselves because they know it’s beneficial and that it is the key to growth. 

Find someone who aligns with your goals, values, and vision. Look for those who’ve achieved what you want to accomplish as they’ll provide you with the tools, mindset, and habits for success.  

Join existing networks online and offline

Invest in expanding your network online and offline with people that have similar interests to yours. It’s one of the key components of achieving personal and professional success. 

This may mean stepping outside of your comfort zone but it’s necessary as it opens your mind to new possibilities. 

Online platforms and networks on social media can provide new connections, new perspectives, ideas, and potential collaborations with new mentors and role models. 

For example on LinkedIn, you can connect with a broad range of supportive individuals who can play a vital role in your professional and personal development. You’ll find potential clients, share your knowledge and expertise, and connect with industry leaders. 

You can join a community such as the Red Hot Accountability Club to build your networks, achieve your personal and professional goals, and learn from other like-minded individuals. 

Attend networking events happening in real life. They are another effective way of meeting new people and forming meaningful connections. These could be conferences, workshops, group training sessions, or industry events. 

You can increase your visibility, open doors for mentorships with successful people, stay ahead of current events, find potential collaborations and partnerships, and develop fresh perspectives, new ideas, and valuable insights in your area of influence.  

It’s important to know The Power of Your Circle on Your Goals and Success. They play an important factor in your beliefs, and attitudes, and inspire you to be your best self. They shape our character, values, and destiny.  

Those we choose to surround ourselves with can dramatically influence our chances of success in various aspects of life. There are 5 key ways they do that. They can boost your morale, provide growth opportunities, create a supportive environment for you to thrive, encourage you in touch times, and improve your overall health and well-being. 

To improve your circle today, do an audit of your current network online and offline, and spend less time with negative people and more time with positive people. You can also join existing networks, and invest in your personal growth. 

With a supportive circle, we can focus on our goals, achieve greater success, and become the best versions of ourselves. 

Red Hot Accountability Club

You have your goals in front of you! You may even have a good strategic plan to follow to achieve them! But you’re feeling a little lonely in the online space and sick of the hustle culture telling you to do more. 

If so, then the ​Red Hot Accountability Club​ might be just what you need!

A safe space. A faith space. A friendly space. A forward momentum space.

Find community and coaching support inside the group coaching membership so you can lean on others and be inspired to continue working on your goals in the season you’re in with the capacity you have – ditching the stress and hustle altogether! (and ditching social media for business if you want to!)

You CAN work your goals into your lifestyle without sacrificing everything to achieve them.

If you are looking for a positive online community and group coaching experience, come hang out with us in the Red Hot Accountability Club! 

Remember, you are a winner. Just run YOUR race!

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So you got off-track with your goal. It happens. You forgot what goals you were chasing, you have no idea how much progress you’ve made or you were disrupted and distracted.  

New Year’s resolutions come with the excitement of a fresh start and exciting possibilities. But most of us get dragged down with daily responsibilities and by the end of January, we’ve lost track of our goals. 

It’s normal to take one step forward and 5 steps backward. Even the most successful people lose track of their regular habits, routines, and goals too. But the most important thing is to have the motivation to get back on track again.

It takes intentionality, commitment, patience, perseverance, and practical strategies to bounce back again once you’ve gone through failure. These 10 Amazing Ways to Get Back on Track with Your Goals will help you refocus your mind and develop the right systems to achieve success again. 

Moreover, your excitement will be reignited, your drive will be stronger and you’ll move forward with more confidence in who you are and what you can achieve. 

10 Amazing Ways to Get Back on track with your goals

Have you ever started something you felt compelled to do? You knew it was right, and you knew you were called to do it. But it seemed every which way you turned, there was a giant standing in your way.

 It seemed like no matter what you did, there was a barrier that caught you off guard.

• Did it make you want to quit?
• Did you question if what you were doing was where you needed to be?
• Did you try to justify why you should stop trying?
• Did you make any excuses?

The good news is this is all normal and to be expected when you’re working towards achieving a goal. When you’re in pursuit of your life purpose, you will be tested. These giants that come your way are tests of your mental ability to stay the course. 

A lot of people are not consistent with the actions they need to take to make changes and reach their goals and dreams. They hit a slump and gave up. How do you stay focused on your goals? 

These are 10 Amazing Ways to Get Back on track with your goals so that you can make steady progress toward realizing the life you dream of. These practical strategies will help you refocus your energy and start taking action again. Let’s get started!

Reflect and Evaluate your current situation

The first thing you need to do is assess the situation you find yourself in. This is a simple exercise of reflection and evaluation of the different areas of your life where you set goals and the progress you’ve made. 

You may find that when it comes to your health goal you’re on track but when it comes to your spiritual goals and relationship goals you’re now off track. 

Having a realistic look at where you are helps you see the goals you need to start working on, focus on improving, and what you need to maintain. This is important for your personal growth and to increase your chances of success. 

Do this with compassion and give yourself grace. You are not perfect and so you’ll slip and fall just like all human beings do. But you can always rise and try again. 

“When you’re in pursuit of your purpose, you will be tested.”

Remember your Why 

Are your main goals important to you? Are they truly yours or what someone else wants you to do? Or maybe that’s what everyone around you is doing. Most people are not fulfilled and yet appear successful according to those around them. 

Sometimes we get off track with goals and forget them because we don’t know why we started. We don’t own the goals.

Knowing why you are going after a specific goal, helps you focus and achieve the goal. Go back to your values, purpose, and vision. 

If you haven’t done so already, write down your why and place it somewhere where you can see it daily. You’ll be motivated to take consistent and inspired action toward that dream. Moreover, the end result is you’ll be truly fulfilled too.  

Set clear goals

The next step you need to take if you haven’t done so already is to ensure that your goals are clear. Vague goals are easy to forget. A list of goals with no start time and end date for achieving them is also easy to lose sight of. 

The key is to set SMART goals. This is an abbreviation for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based goals. Your chances of success increase when you do this. 

These big goals will then need to be broken down into an action plan or to-do list. These are the smaller steps that you can take daily and weekly to achieve your goals and dreams. 

Have a visual representation of your goals

Our goals often fall off track because we forget what they are or we tell ourselves that we’ll do it later but we all know that later never comes. 

By the end of January, you forget that weight loss was on your plan for the year. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” is true.  Your goals need to be front and center in your mind so that you keep having the drive to stick with them. 

These daily reminders are powerful as they keep your brain thinking about your vision and how you’ll get there. They also ensure that you keep being focused on your goals and can remove distractions from your life. 

There are different ways to keep your goal visible. You can use a physical vision board you put on your wall or make one online and then save it as a screen saver on your computer or smartphone. 

A small whiteboard is also a great way to write your smaller daily or weekly goals as reminders to act on them. 

Mindset Matters to Get Back on track with your goals

Isn’t it funny how, when you begin a new journey, a bump always seems to lie in the middle of the road? It makes you wonder if you’re even going the right way — maybe you should turn around — but, initially, you were pretty sure you were headed in the right direction.

Fear of the unknown, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and negative thoughts will make you lose track of your main goals. 

When you look at social media, you may feel like you are behind compared to your peers and you’ve achieved less. Worse still, you may feel like a failure and start saying negative things about yourself. 

This is simply not true. Your actions and words have power. It’s important to reframe the thoughts that are keeping you stuck and unable to move forward. 

Avoid this comparison trap which keeps you discouraged and dissatisfied. You need to shift your mindset and look at things from a different perspective. 

The truth is that as long as you’re alive you can always try again, this time with more insight, wisdom, and experience. 

God always gives us a second chance and a third and fourth when we need it. Believe who He says you are and what he says you can do. 

Choose to break the cycle of negativity that’s holding you back and take steps to learn from your experiences, plan, work hard, grow, and focus on your goals. 

Don’t be stuck in that comfort zone, choose to move forward towards your goals and run the race that’s ahead of you. 

If you’re following your passion and purpose you will be tested. Success doesn’t come easily. There’s always a struggle to overcome. 

When you’re at the point of giving up, be willing to persevere just a bit longer because your breakthrough is right there waiting for you. Pass your test!

“Supposing you have tried and failed again and again. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.”

— Mary Pickford 

Let go of the all-or-nothing mindset 

There’s no such thing as starting once you’re strong enough, rich enough, or have enough experience, etc. We all start on a blank slate but it’s the will to start anyway and figure everything else along the way. 

Once you start, you may fall off the wagon for a day, week, or even months. Just because you fail to follow your exercise routine for a week doesn’t mean you must quit altogether. 

Let go of this all-or-nothing mindset. This belief that if you don’t do it perfectly, it’s not worth doing at all will keep you stuck. Life is messy. It’s full of ups and downs, disruptions and roadblocks. 

Start small if you have to. If you have a health goal where you want to eat more nutritious and balanced meals, start with having a meal plan just for the morning. Then you build on it for the rest of the day. 

If you miss it for one day, it doesn’t make you a failure and doesn’t mean you’ll always be out of shape. 

It’s better to take small steps toward your goals and dreams than no steps at all. Good habits are built gradually.  Start slow and with much time, focus, and commitment you’ll get better along the way. 

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”

Proverbs 24:16 NIV

Develop Small Daily Habits and Routines 

Small daily habits and routines are important in making progress toward your goals.  These behaviors ensure you work on your goals daily and keep them in front of you. 

They help you take consistent action and start gaining momentum toward your dreams. Remember clarity comes from execution not from staying in your comfort zone. Over time, you’ll see the positive changes daily actions can make. 

If your goal is to reduce stress and improve your mental health, you may want to start the habit of journaling daily or practicing gratitude. To build a habit, start small and be consistent. 

Be patient and persevere even if you miss a day or two. Reminders like sticky notes and screen savers on your phone might be great ways to help you stay on track. In the end, these powerful actions will become like second nature to you. 

To take action, evaluate the habits you’re practicing now. What are they? Are they moving you closer or further away from your dreams? Study the habits of successful people and be inspired to start new habits and routines that will help you crush your goals. 

Manage your Time and Eliminate Distractions

There are so many distractions that can lead you to slip off and lose sight of your goals and dreams. It could be the phone ringing, an email or social media notification, or a last-minute lunch invitation. 

Unless you learn to manage your time and limit distractions you will struggle to stick to your goals. 

There are different ways to manage your time. Set a block of time to commit and dedicate yourself to your goals. Lock your door and turn off your phone or even your internet connection if you have to. Your daily to-do list should be categorized into must-do, should-do, and nice-to-do tasks. 

Schedule breaks and downtime as well because your body needs rest. This allows you to focus more, reduces burnout, and improves your productivity and effectiveness. 

Remember that time is one of the more precious and limited resources we have. So manage it effectively, eliminate distractions and the end result is you’ll be able to take control of your life. 

Seek Accountability and Support 

Sharing your big goals with someone you trust is a great way to commit to them and increase your chances of following through. An accountability partner can be a coach, spouse, friend, close family member, or colleague who provides guidance, support, and encouragement. 

It’s when you don’t share your goals with anyone that you go back to old habits and routines, slow down on your progress, and at times miss your goal altogether. 

Human beings are built for community. Your goals are personal but your journey doesn’t have to be taken alone. You can join a real-life or online community of people such as the Red Hot Accountability Club for support in getting your life back on track. 

When others believe in your potential and want you to succeed, it pushes you to work harder and do your best. Ultimately, it makes the journey toward your goals more enjoyable. 

Celebrate Your Progress 

Are you measuring the progress you’re making toward your goals? You may be thinking you’re way off-track with your goals and yet when you check you’ll be surprised with the steady progress you’ve made. 

Take time to celebrate your milestones. Reward yourself for the hard work you’ve put in already. Celebrate the small and big milestones because they all contribute towards crushing your goals. 

Sometimes we start new habits or overcome big obstacles and never take the time to appreciate those accomplishments. Progress might be slow and it’s not always linear. Treat yourself to something special or indulge in your favorite activity. 

This simple act motivates and encourages you to keep moving forward. 

​I’ve had to Get Back on Track with my Goals

A few years ago, I seriously began writing my first book, Mind Over Marathon. I knew then that it was important, and I felt called to do it. But even though I knew this, I can’t tell you how many roadblocks seemed to get in the way of me running my course.

I doubted my abilities and had major writer’s block. I even used my kids as an excuse. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t seem to get out of my funk. 

There were times I would get in the flow and write a ton, but then the same thing would happen, a giant would appear, and I would back down, and there it would sit for months at a time. 

It’s funny because my book is all about mental toughness, yet I seemed to be failing in that area because doubt after doubt kept flooding in and making me back down. 

It only seems appropriate that my mentality would be tested, after all, I am a mental training coach! Could I withstand the test? Could I keep positive in the trials?

Then, I slipped on an ice patch while running and seriously broke my ankle. Another test! What would I do? Would I cave and lose my toughness, or would I pick myself up, stay positive through the recovery, and pass the test?

Dealing with an injury that sidelined me from doing something I love was not easy. It was downright terrible at times. I am used to working out six days a week, and I went down to ZERO!

I’ve watched my running buddies enjoy their workouts together and had to keep myself in check from letting jealousy rage in my spirit. 

Because was my right ankle that I hurt, I couldn’t drive and do many other things on my own. Everything took twice as long to do because I moved much slower. My own strength wouldn’t get me through, and I couldn’t rely on it.

These are the realities of injury. These are the realities when we face our giants, they are sometimes too powerful to overcome on our own. Are we willing to drop our egos and ask for help? Are we willing to bring someone alongside us?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

— James 1:2-3

Recognizing that it’s a test can make it easier to get through. Usually, the more you’re tested, the closer you are to the finish. It’s too bad many drop out before they get there because their giants seem impossible to overpower.

When you run a marathon, your biggest test comes between miles 20-26. Runners usually train up to about 20 miles, sometimes more or less, but right around there. 

They know they are physically ready to hit that mark. But on race day, the dreaded “wall” usually hits around that point, and even though there is some physical that plays out into that, it’s the mental toughness that’s being tested. 

Miles 20-26 are run with all heart. You pass the test when you cross the finish line. The same thing is true in life. It takes heart and guts to get past our giants, but we pass the test when we get on the other side of them.

Do you ever feel like you set goals, take two steps forward then take ten steps backward? Have you been distracted or disrupted from achieving your goals? Or maybe you forgot the commitment you made as part of your New Year’s Resolutions? 

The truth is most of us have been there even then most successful people you know. It takes intentionality, commitment, patience, perseverance, and practical strategies to bounce back again and focus on your goals. 

The 10 Amazing Ways to Get Back on Track with Your Goals include evaluating your current situation, remembering your why, setting clear goals, and having a visual representation of your goals. You also need to let go of the all-or-nothing mindset, shift your mindset, develop daily habits, manage your time, seek accountability, and celebrate your progress. 

When you do these action steps your excitement, drive, and motivation will increase and you’ll confidently increase your chances of success and crushing your goals. 

Remember, you are a winner. Just run YOUR race!

Red Hot Accountability Club 

You have your goals in front of you! You may even have a good strategic plan to follow to achieve them! But you’re feeling a little lonely in the online space and sick of the hustle culture telling you to do more. 

If so, then the ​Red Hot Accountability Club​ might be just what you need!

A safe space. A faith space. A friendly space. A forward momentum space.

Find community and coaching support inside the group coaching membership so you can lean on others and be inspired to continue working on your goals in the season you’re in with the capacity you have – ditching the stress and hustle altogether! (and ditching social media for business if you want to!)

You CAN work your goals into your lifestyle without sacrificing everything to achieve them.

If you are looking for a positive online community and group coaching experience, come hang out with us in the Red Hot Accountability Club! 

The post 10 Amazing Ways to Get Back on Track with your Goals appeared first on .

Only a small percentage of the population in the world is dedicated enough to run marathons. They’re pretty daunting for most people and require much time and effort.

But the amazing feeling of accomplishment when you reach the finish line makes them truly worth it. 

Running marathons provides wonderful benefits physically, socially, spiritually, and mentally too. But did you know you could learn valuable lessons about life too?

Competing in a marathon was a big dream that I proudly accomplished. I realized quickly that doing hard things in the sport makes me a better person in all other areas of life. 

The good news is marathon runners don’t have to finish first. The end goal is to push yourself to be your best right to the finish line. It’s a life-changing experience that brings fulfillment, resilience, strength, focus and success. 

I’m excited to share with you the 9 Valuable Life Lessons Running Marathons Taught Me. These are practical strategies to help us know how to run the race of life. 

Being able to take part in these endurance events goes beyond just a physical feat but there are important principles we can observe that will help us as we navigate the ups and downs of life. 

​9 Valuable Life Lessons from Running Marathons

When I began my running journey, I did it merely to stay in shape. As I got into a routine, I had more ambitious goals and yearned for long runs.  My first step was training for a half marathon. When I accomplished that, I wanted to attain a higher level in my journey, and before long I was running marathons.

Looking back, I’ve realized there are Valuable Life Lessons Running Marathons Taught Me. When we are intentional there’s always something we can learn from what we do.

What area are you passionate about that you can use to learn life lessons? Is it a sport, hobby, career, volunteer role, or the crucial job of raising your children? You can choose today to use your passions as a way to grow and change and dream big dreams! 

I can’t wait to share the important lessons I’ve learned from marathon running. Let’s get started.  

The Marathon Journey Taught Me the Power of Setting Goals

Whenever you have big dreams in running, you should set goals and be clear about your destination. Your dreams should be visible to you daily so a good idea is to write them down on a vision board.

Having that big picture in front of you motivates you to put in consistent effort even when there are challenges and roadblocks along the way. It will help you keep focused, persevere, and grow in resilience. As you work towards your dream, celebrate the small wins and victories. This makes the journey enjoyable.

Part of the goal-setting process includes being clear on your why. What’s the reason for running a marathon? This clarity helps you to keep moving forward even in the face of trials. 

“My easy runs are my sanctuary. Running cleans up the cobwebs and allows for a clear head so I can have more space to be able to handle other things in life.”  

L.A. runner Rio Lakeshore 

Lastly, it’s important to take time to break each of your big goals, down into smaller milestones. Remember each small step you take leads to the next one and the next one until you reach the finish line. 

I learned to leave my comfort zone

Marathon running taught me to leave my comfort zone. Our comfort zone is our stagnant zone. The definition of “comfort” is “a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress.” It’s a place where things may come easy. We can sit back and just coast through life.

Some may think it’s silly to have big dreams in running, but for me, doing hard things in the sport makes me a better person in all areas of my life.

When we choose to step outside our comfort zone, we not only automatically become more productive, but it can also foster creativity in ourselves, bringing us to a place we never knew we were capable of being. 

It can help us to be more flexible in the future when the unexpected happens because we’ve trained ourselves to overcome the fear of the unknown, leaving the ease of our mundane lives.

There’s something freeing about doing what’s uncomfortable because you know you’re one of the only ones who are willing to step up and step out into that unknown territory. 

When I push myself outside of my comfort zone, I build more confidence that dreams can come true and in my abilities to achieve them. There’s something exhilarating about pushing past your limits and dreaming dreams larger than yourself. Running marathons taught me that.

“The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race; it’s to test the limits of the human heart.”

— Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike

Discipline is a Valuable Life Lesson Running Marathons Taught Me

Running a marathon, and having a training schedule taught me how to discipline my body daily. I’m a mom of three very active boys. My husband leaves for work by 8 a.m., and we homeschool, so I can’t just take time out for a mid-morning run. 

At night I’m the Uber driver for all their activities and I sometimes work as well. To get my miles in, I have to get up extra early. I need to get my workouts done before the day and before my husband leaves for work. I want to ensure I’m present for my boys during the day.

I have had to discipline myself to get up early and go even when I don’t feel like it. Most mornings I don’t wake up energized, bouncing out of bed, and excited to get out the door!

I have to treat my workout as a priority to get it done. My workout clothes are set out the night before to eliminate any excuses in the morning. I schedule my workouts for the week on my calendar on Sunday evenings, and it makes them feel like an appointment. If it’s on my calendar, it’s most likely going to get done.

When I’m training for a marathon, I am disciplined to get my training done, but I also am disciplined to watch what I eat, track my progress, and keep a positive mindset. As I follow my training schedule, my mental game remains strong and I’m able to say no to my fleshly cravings (i.e. sugar and Netflix).

I’ve often been tempted to quit on my goals but I’ve learned that to be a successful runner, you need to keep in mind this important fact: pain is temporary but regret is forever. No matter how big your dreams are, if you remain diligent, work hard, and refuse to give up, you will achieve success. 

Marathon Running Taught me the Value of Preparation

You can’t just wake up, get dressed, and show up on the day of the marathon and expect to reach the finish line. You need to prepare adequately and have a clear vision. 

Whether it’s your first marathon or 10th one, nothing can replace the value of a progressive training plan to guide you weekly and prepare you for race day. 

Those long training runs need consistency. In life, when your vision is clear and you’ve taken every step to prepare for your goals and dreams, you’ll be confident and ready to achieve success. 

Work Hard but also Take time to Rest

Nothing can replace the power of hard work and dedication toward your big goals and dreams in running. The more you run and practice, the more you’re prepared and develop resilience and tenacity. 

But it’s also important to take time to rest and explore other interests such as reading, being creative, or going out with loved ones.

Every successful runner knows that it’s important to take rest days seriously. It helps your body to recover, and recharge, and the end result is you’ll be able to go harder afterward. 

You’re stronger, more efficient, and more productive when you take time off your goals to rest, get a good night’s sleep, implement a digital detox, or invest in a little bit of self-care. 

Marathon Runners can Stretch for another Goal

One of my valuable life lessons from running a marathon is how to stretch for another goal. When I’m working towards a running goal, it’s funny how I become more productive and focused throughout the day and start committing to goals in other areas of my life. 

It helps direct me to be more goal-oriented and purpose-filled in my activities. When I reach my destination, I always feel amazing and confident that I can achieve the goals and dreams I have in all areas of life. 

When I began my running journey, I did it merely to stay in shape. I set a goal to run my first half marathon. After I finished, I decided to set a goal to run a full marathon. I was already halfway there, so why not? 

When I crossed the finish line, something nagged me on the inside to set an even harder goal and a new challenge— to qualify for the Boston Marathon, a feat many runners aspire to, but not many are willing to commit to. That goal fueled me for quite some time so I got on a training program, and managed to hit it! 

Then I had a new goal. Break a 3-hour and 30-minute marathon, which I did. Can you see how each goal spurs you toward the next one? When I hit a goal, it makes me want to stretch for a new one, and the cycle continues. 

Each goal is a stepping stone to a larger dream, and I don’t think I’d be so goal-oriented or driven without my big running dreams!

Running a Marathon teaches you to Pace Yourself

During marathon training, take time to enjoy the fresh air, listen to your favorite podcast, and remain grateful for the strength and opportunity to participate in a race.

From the beginning of the race right to the end, it’s important to pace yourself. Don’t go too fast or too slow. Otherwise, you’ll quickly experience burnout or get injured if you’re at full speed ahead the whole time. 

You need to rest, rehydrate, and refuel. Self-care is key so you can’t push yourself to run faster than your body can manage.

Remember these are endurance events. If you compare yourself with others, feel left behind, and go too fast especially when you’re at the starting point you’ll be discouraged, despair, and experience burnout before you reach your goals and dreams.  

Similarly in life, one of the important lessons you need to learn is the value of taking care of yourself and knowing your limitations. Set realistic goals and prepare for the long haul. Have a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly plan, make sacrifices, work hard, face challenges and failures head-on, and learn from them. 

Life is a journey and it may take a long time to fulfill your vision so take the opportunity to enjoy every single day. We miss out on so much of the present because we’re focused on the next mile marker. It could be the next promotion, the next weekend, the next time you go on a vacation, and even the next marathon. 

“It’s about embracing the whole process and the training. You can get so much out of the experience.” 

L.A. runner Rio Lakeshore 

You need a support system to run long distances 

The only way to reach the finish line when you run a marathon is through the support of good people. The fellow runners, your family and friends, volunteers, your coach, and even the cheering crowd will encourage you when you feel tired and are tempted to quit. 

These people could be holding a sign up that makes you smile, clapping, or shouting for you to keep going or giving you water so that you’re hydrated and motivated. 

In your personal life, you need people to support you as well. These are cheerleaders who help you take the next steps when you’re stuck or uncertain, push you through when things get tough, and keep you accountable to reach your goals and dreams and are there when you cross the finish line.  

Instead of trying to do it all on your own, the support of others may be one of the best things you can do for your emotional, spiritual, and mental health. 

Setbacks are inevitable in life 

Even after countless hours and months of training hard for a marathon, you will have unexpected challenges. It’s usually something you can’t control like becoming sick or having bad weather on the day of the marathon. 

These disruptions should not throw you off the big picture. You may be unprepared for them but you can still reach your goals. 

The best thing you can do when something you didn’t prepare for happens is to remain focused on your goal and what you can control but still be flexible and adjust to what you can’t control. 

Marathon runners are some of the strongest and most dedicated people you’ll find. It takes a lot of effort and time to run long distances but the rewards are worth it. 

I feel like every time I’m on a training run, I’m learning valuable lessons about life.  It’s so crazy how our pursuits can teach and train us if we’re willing to let them.

I’m an ordinary runner who chooses to use my sport to push myself to another level. I don’t have to be an elite or a great to do that. I can just be me. There are the 9 Valuable Life Lessons Running Marathons Taught Me.

They include setting goals, leaving your comfort zone, pacing yourself, stretching for more goals, being disciplined, the value of preparation, working hard and resting, having a support system, and embracing setbacks and unexpected challenges. 

These important lessons have shaped me to be a better person, and that is why I will continue to dream huge in running, a sport that is my passionate pursuit. You can implement these lessons in your professional and personal life too and before long you’ll achieve success. 

Red Hot Accountability Club 

You have your goals in front of you! You may even have a good strategic plan to follow to achieve them!, but you’re feeling a little lonely in the online space and sick of the hustle culture telling you to do more. 

If so, then the ​Red Hot Accountability Club​ might be just what you need!

A safe space. A faith space. A friendly space. A forward momentum space.

Find community and coaching support inside the group coaching membership so you can lean on others and be inspired to continue working on your goals in the season you’re in with the capacity you have – ditching the stress and hustle altogether! (and ditching social media for business if you want to!)

You CAN work your goals into your lifestyle without sacrificing everything to achieve them.

If you are looking for a positive online community and group coaching experience, come hang out with us in the Red Hot Accountability Club! 

Remember, you are a winner. Just run YOUR race!

The post 9 Valuable Life Lessons Running Marathons Taught Me appeared first on .

Life isn’t perfect. It’s full of ups and downs. In times when you go through tragedy, trauma, or turmoil, crutches will support you. A crutch can be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. 

Imagine you have a physical injury and can’t walk. You need to lean on crutches so you can move around. These crutches help you avoid pain, discomfort, or any physical activity until you’re fully healed.  

But you can’t hold onto them for a long time. You can’t become a full-time crutch user. You need to learn to stand on your feet again. Otherwise, your muscles waste away and so does your energy and passion for life because they’re not being used. That’s when self-doubt, low self-esteem, hopelessness, and frustration start to set in and make you weak. 

Crutches help you in difficult times but can quickly become a liability that stops you from reaching your full potential. 

You need to learn How to let go of life’s crutches and crush your goals. When you throw away the crutches and stand on your own two feet, you learn to trust in your own abilities and develop the self-reliance, self-confidence, and resilience that you need to succeed in life. Let’s dive into the process!

What is a life crutch? 

When you go through a life’s roadblocks, challenges, setbacks, or disruptions to your goals and dreams you may need crutches to help you get through those times. A crutch can be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. 

There are different reasons why we hold onto life crutches for a long time. It can be what we reach for when we’re uncomfortable. You hold onto it for security or when you’re bored. You’ll often rely on these when you’re stressed and going through hard times.

Becoming too dependent on emotional crutches makes us feel helpless without them and unable to function on our own just like a physical crutch does when someone has an injury. You become scared to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone.

It can be a limiting belief like the all-or-nothing mentality or a bad habit such as being a perfectionist or procrastinator. A crutch could be a substance like alcohol, or a habit like shopping, smoking, being on social media, or binge-watching video games or TV shows. 

Crutches can be used when you want to avoid responsibility and don’t feel like dealing with your issues head-on. You lose yourself in these crutches whenever you have free time and they cover up the thoughts and feelings you can’t deal with.  

This could lead to addictions, looking to external support or relief, and isolating us making the situation even worse. 

We can use people as a crutch and may have difficulty coping when they’re not there. These can be healthy or unhealthy relationships which we lean on for emotional support or validation. We might even depend on them more than we depend on God who is our Creator and source of life.

Crutches are okay for a while to help us during the healing process. However, when we get used to our crutches and rely on them we feel that we need them. 

We become afraid to throw them away even when we’re ready to do that. We actually hold back on our personal growth, progress, and development without realizing it. We stay in our comfort zone out of habit. This will ultimately hinder your journey to achieving your goals and dreams.

That’s why you need to make a conscious decision to let go of life’s crutches. Break free from your crutches when they’re no longer serving you. Put them down and stand in your own strength again. 

When you trust God and the abilities He gave you, you develop self-reliance, self-confidence, and resilience which you need to succeed and reach your full potential.

How to let go of life’s crutches and crush your goals

When we face the challenges of life, we often need support to help us through it. This could be a therapist, a friend, a family member, or a mentor. While relying on these should be for a short season as we get up on our feet again they could end up being a crutch. 

Life crutches can make you stay in your comfort zone and stop you from achieving your goals and dreams. They can easily become excuses that leave you in the same place. This external support can prevent us from developing resilience and could ultimately hold us back from reaching our full potential. 

Crutches are useful when we need something to lean on, but they’re a nuisance when truly taking steps in the direction of our dreams. You may be using a crutch because you’re afraid to step out on your own. It’s time to be courageous and learn How to let go of life’s crutches and crush your goals. Let’s dive in!

Identify the crutches you’re using in your life 

The best way to start breaking from life’s crutches is to identify what they are. Is it a person or habit? What do you run to when you’re stressed or want to escape from a difficult situation? Be aware of what you’re holding onto. 

Figure out what kind of crutches you rely on then you can figure out the best ways to fulfill your needs and start the healing process.  

Letting go of life’s crutches means you discover more about yourself, and realize you didn’t need the crutches in the first place. You are empowered to find new solutions to your needs and are free to shape your life as you will.

Shift your mindset and words 

Injury does not define your whole life and neither does a problem. Believe that you can let go of the crutches no matter how long you’ve been holding onto them. As you change your mindset, start changing what you say too. Words are powerful and they influence what you believe and do. 

With the right mindset and approach you can develop the courage to embrace the possibilities ahead and let go of the crutches that end up becoming a burden.

Let go of the shame and guilt 

We all struggle with different crutches. Some are more obvious and some are more harmful than others. No one is perfect so don’t judge yourself harshly. Let go of any shame or guilt you may have. These will not serve you or your healing process. 

Be committed to the journey of freedom and being empowered to stand on your own and make the decisions that are right for you. 

Be comfortable with silence and boredom 

In a distracted world, we may always feel that we can’t bear silence or boredom. There always has to be background noise whether it’s the TV which is always on or we’re always listening to YouTube. When we’re bored we take our phones out and start scrolling social media. 

This makes it impossible to sit down with your thoughts and feelings. Technology often stops us from being present with our thoughts and those we love.

But being busy so you won’t be bored, or so you’ll feel productive, is a crutch. In fact, being busy and being productive are two different things. Learn to say no to what takes away your time and energy but leaves you depleted. Become clear on what’s important and focus on what will make an impact. 

Don’t be scared of boredom. Accept boredom because when you do, you can look around and see the endless wonder and beauty that’s around you. Find pleasure in new things. When you’re distracted, you miss out on all of it. Just pay attention to what’s around you.  

Take time to discover more about yourself and the world around you. Take a mental break and embark on a digital detox or social media fast even if it’s just for a few hours daily. Take time to read the Bible and allow God’s principles to shape your thoughts and actions. You’ll be totally transformed!

Before long, you’ll realize that you don’t need the crutches in the first place. Become free to chase your dreams and shape your life in a way that you’d like. 

Learn to deal with a situation head-on 

Crutches and bad habits such as spending too much time on social media, watching TV, or playing video games tend to be distractions that stop you from dealing with your thoughts or any challenges you’re facing. It becomes an escape. But we need to be present with our thoughts and emotions instead of hiding from them. 

Whether it’s pain, fear, worry, or stress, understand and process it alone or with the support of a good friend, family member, or therapist. It can be uncomfortable at first but the most important thing is you go on the journey of healing.  

You can’t keep covering things up.  Figure out the root causes of these very things so you can start the healing process. When you face the pain head-on things start to get better.

Other helpful tools to deal with the situation healthily include meditation, exercise, running, taking a walk, journaling, or doing something creative. You can also start reading good books that inspire and motivate you to be a better person.

I’m a big fan of journaling. It’s a great way to put your pain into words, process it, and understand it a little better. When it’s in black and white you can start coming up with the solutions to what you’re facing. 

Take the necessary steps to move towards your goals

Change doesn’t just happen- you need to have an action plan. Start with a vision board and decide what you want your life to look like in the future. Set goals that are SMART to help you start working towards that vision. 

Break your goals into quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily tasks that you need to achieve. The good news is as you make a conscious decision to move and work towards your goals and dreams consistently, you increase the chances of achieving them. 

Taking action toward your goals will also help you focus, develop self-confidence in what you’re capable of, and in the process let go of life’s crutches. 

“Most of us need the crutch at times; but of course, it is idiotic to use the crutch when our own legs (our own loves, tastes, habits, etc.) can do the journey on their own.”

~C.S. Lewis By Leo Babauta

My Experience with Letting Go of Life’s Crutches

Years ago, I suffered a slip-on ice while running and ended up with a knee injury. Though it was a challenge not being able to run, it was a time of slowing down to speed up, a time of personal growth and new beginnings. Through the healing journey learned valuable life lessons along the way.

I was off my feet for 80 days and had to go for physical therapy often. l used a scooter and crutches to get me where I needed to go. It was a long healing process, and, at times, it felt never-ending. 

But, there was something about the crutch that made me feel protected. It made me feel safe. The crutch helped me manage on those icy days when I had to go somewhere. It helped me keep pressure off my bad leg. It ensured that I wouldn’t hurt my ankle again.

But, ultimately, what the crutch became was a barricade to me walking again. It felt too safe, too comfortable, so much so that I had a hard time letting go of it. I had a fear of too fast, too soon. The thought of pain made me fearful. 

I knew walking again would hurt, but I was unsure of what hurt was okay. I had a fear of just not remembering how to do things. Learning to walk again seemed incredibly hard. Because of this, I held onto my crutches too long.

Crutches are useful when we NEED something to lean on, but they’re a nuisance to truly taking steps in the direction of our dreams.

I was supposed to start walking after a few weeks, but it just didn’t feel right, and I needed to listen to my body. It was a pain that I was unsure of, so I chose to hold off. It felt too risky to walk again as it was out of my comfort zone. I didn’t want to get uncomfortable in that aspect. Part of me was afraid to stop using the crutches. 

I was worried that l might hurt my ankle again even though the only way to strengthen my leg muscles meant using them again. I waited until I had had enough, a breaking point where I felt so defeated and discouraged that I didn’t want to do it anymore. 

I even had thoughts of giving up on running! Being active was hard. When you have to take a couple of months off extensive activity, you get out of shape very quickly! Five minutes of core felt like torture. 

That’s when I knew that it was time to get going. I couldn’t have a self-pity party — at least not for long. I had to do something about the despairing feelings I was having. This whoa-is-me attitude was not okay.

I took a step of faith and got to it. I put full pressure on my injured leg — it was sore — but I did it. And you know what? It turned out just fine. My foot was sore, but it was just fine. It healed and began doing what it was supposed to. The most important thing I learned was that l needed to let go of the crutches, trust God, and stand on my own again.

“My body could stand the crutches, but my mind couldn’t stand the sideline.”

— Michael Jordan.

We use life’s crutches when we go through painful times and we need extra help and much support. It can be beneficial for the time being, as it can aid you in recovery, but it’s a temporary fix. 

A crutch when held onto for a long time can leave us helpless and be detrimental to us moving forward and truly pursuing what we’re called to do.

What is your crutch? Is there something you’re holding onto as a safety? Do you need to let go of that today?  It’s important to reflect on your crutches and if you need to continue using them. It may be time to let go of your crutches and stand on your own feet. This might be the only way to grow. 

Be courageous and learn How to let go of life’s crutches and crush your goals. You do this when you identify the crutches, let go of the shame and guilt, shift your mindset and words, become comfortable with silence and boredom, deal with situations head-on, and take the steps to move toward your goals and dreams. 

Stop letting your crutches hold you back in life! Learn to overcome them and reach new heights of success and fulfillment. Take a leap of faith, let go of the crutch you have been relying on, and choose to move forward. With the right mindset, effort, and action, you will be successful.

Remember, you are a winner. Just run YOUR race!

Goals Workshop (free resource)

Are you tired of quitting on yourself and your goals? Are you sick of the hustle culture and want a different strategy? My simple Red Hot Goals Formula will help you create a personalized game plan that works for your capacity in different seasons. You CAN work your goals into your lifestyle without sacrificing everything to achieve them.

In this free workshop, you’ll learn:

• The clarity you need to make your dream real to you without worrying about how it will all come together
• How to craft a simplified game plan that gets results in the season of life you’re in
• The secret sauce to taking action that works, even if you have limited time to make things happen
• PLUS: The #1 mistake people make when goal setting that causes them to quit too soon

If you are MORE than ready to finally take that desire inside your heart from conception to the finish line, this is for you!

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