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Reader,
When I was 23 years old, I signed up for the NYC half marathon.
It was a bold move for someone who had never run more than 3 miles in one clip. But I believed I could build up the endurance to make it happen.
So, I laced up my sneakers every day after work – rain or shine – and did long runs, short runs, and strength training.
By the week of the race that August, I felt ready. I’d even made myself a running playlist on my iPod Nano (yep, it was that long ago!).
But then, the unexpected happened.
The night before, a tight hug from a friend caused a muscle spasm in my neck (I know, so random). Which had me laid out with a heating pad, praying that it would feel better by morning.
Alas, it did not.
I could have easily called it and slept in on that gorgeous Sunday morning. But I’d worked so hard to train for this amazing run in Central Park and Times Square finishing all the way at the bottom of Manhattan.
Nope, I’m still doing it.
So, I got dressed at that wee morning hour and took the subway to the starting point. And in that 45-minute trip, I’d given myself a bunch of pep talks and was sure I’d actually have a great race.
Enter another unexpected snafu.
I had to pee. And while I was pulling my shorts down inside the porta potty, my Nano fell to the floor and out on to the sidewalk.
When I opened the door, it was gone 😵.
My heart sunk and I could feel the tears start sting my eyes. Oh my God, how am I going to run this race with a stiff neck and no music!!!
I was faced with yet another chance to give up.
As I stood there in a crowd of runners, I knew I couldn’t go home. I had to just suck it up and run anyway. So, I did.
I remember the first two loops around Central Park were filled with anger and envy towards everyone who had music playing in their ears.
But as I entered Times Square, the energy of the crowd and the music all around lifted my spirit so much. I can do this.
That’s when I felt my pace pick up and my inner fire start burning again. And even though I was so tired once I hit the final mile nearing South Street Seaport, I sprinted to the finish line.
I gave it everything I had stiff neck and all. And I’d proven to myself that no matter how many times shit hits the fan, I can find a way to keep moving and keep going anyway.
Might sound funny but…
I can’t help thinking of this experience when I’m in the middle of a launch. When I’m pouring so much energy and effort into a desired outcome.
Without fail, during those 6-8 weeks, there’s always something unexpected that falls into my lap and threatens to throw me completely off my game. Every single time.
But instead of letting it derail my forward motion, I find a way to deal with it sprint to the finish line.
Even on way less sleep.
Even with a cold.
Even with a husband traveling for work.
Even when the numbers aren’t where I want them to be.
I sprint and give it all I’ve got.
I share this today because it’s so easy to get hit with a “failure” or a mistake or a life event that throws off everything, and then immediately take your foot off the gas pedal. Because the doubt creeps in and tells you, “This isn’t going to work.”
But if you keep your focused on the outcome and trust in yourself to make it happen, you will find a way. You will land on a brilliant idea or an inner resolve that you didn't know was there, and SHOW UP anyway.
So, whether you’re in a launch or simply coming face to face with a big insecurity on this business-building journey, remember that this is an opportunity to dig deep and give it all you’ve got. Don’t give up!
Now, for the past month, I’ve shared so much business wisdom on the podcast designed to support you on your journey.
So, if you haven’t caught all of the episodes, here’s a roundup.
277: My Critique of Jenna Kutcher’s New Website
278: 5 Tips to Become a Natural Client Magnet
279: How to Become a Pro at Marketing Your Wellness Business
And this week’s episode, 280: BTS on Being Mentored by Me Inside Your Wellness Brand
May one or all of these episodes be something you need to hear – that will life your spirit, light your inner fire, and inspire you keep going.
We've got this.
Big hug,
Blair
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