As you know I've been gearing up for Ironman Boise and made a real concerted effort, no matter how busy my life got, to stay on my training program. But then I had a bad training day. I just felt like I could not get through the water even if my life depended on it. I came back to the store, frustrated, and started looking through YouTube videos trying to find some motivation. I found Hillary Biscay. I first heard of her when I learned of the Ultraman Race and then saw her a few times on IM Live. Very positive!
The video I found was titled "Beginner Tips for Triathletes". In it she talks about 4 race day tips newbies should keep in mind and I found myself not only appreciating the advice from an incredible athlete, but also relating these tips to life. So, below are Hillary Biscay's tips and how I feel they fit into everyday life and business.
- Remember why you are out there. At some level you are there for enjoyment or fulfillment. In an ongoing effort to create the life we want we should always choose activities that make us happy. I recently read a quote that stated "Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner." That works for me. I'm driven by my goals and constantly re-assess my journey. To me this first tip is about staying on track. In triathlon and in life we can easily get derailed if we fail to remember what got us excited in the first place. Find the little things in life that make you happy and make it a goal to pursue them. What better way to stay on track than to do what makes you happy?
- Fake it 'til you make it. I relate this to two things actually. The first is the idea that you create your mood, not the things around you. The surest way to get out of the funk you find yourself in is to smile. I start every day looking in the mirror and smiling at myself. My theory is if I can't muster a smile for the person looking back in the mirror then how can I muster one to share with the world? Even when I feel a bit down in the dumps a smile is wonderful medicine. Inevitably it changes your mood. The second thing I relate to this tip is the theory behind the law of attraction. In order for you to attract what you most desire in life you must believe. Believe you are a triathlete. Believe you are successful in business. Believe you already possess abundant happiness. Rather than carrying around the burden of constantly wanting something else, you must believe you already enjoy it: success, wealth, happiness, etc. Fake it 'til you make it by believing.
- Pick one discipline at a time. This most easily relates to the idea of living in the moment. Hillary talked about focusing on whatever event you're doing at the moment rather than stressing about the next. In life this is the same as living in the now. This moment right now is the only thing you have. The past is over and can never be changed, and the future is unwritten. But every step you take now helps to create the future you want. So rather than stress about the run while you're on the bike, focus your attention on the current task. Live this moment the best way you can right now and make sure every step is in line with your goal. That is the most effective way to ensure success. In fact, that is the ONLY way to ensure success...by consistently working towards it one step at a time.
- The only reason to quit a race is because of a broken right femur. This is a great illustration of the mantra NEVER QUIT. Life is tough and having the wrong mindset can make it tougher. Despite any failure or setback you face in life it is never too late to begin now to create the life you want. My all-time favorite quote sums it up: "Success is, and always has been, defined as getting back up just one more time than you've fallen down."
I got back in the pool the next day, I swam and I felt better. I shrugged off the bad workout, refocused on my goal and completed that day's training, and the next, and the next. If ever you feel moments of weakness or despair about reaching your goal surround yourself with positive people. In some cases they may be loved ones, coaches, friends or teachers. In other cases they may simply be someone you know of sharing words of encouragement to others. In either case a "thank you" is in order.
