Determination

Determination -  A firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end.

I found that everything in life is a learning experience.  How can you not think this?  When something or someone becomes an obstacle in your life, you must remember to think back to what it is you want to accomplish.  Remember, the reason you are doing this challenge, it is for ME!!!  Anybody else can go and have a cookie from Jimmy Johns or eat Valentino's lunch....everyday (this is what I want everyday :) ) but I always have to remind myself that I am doing this for me.  Determination.

I have learned that my body is not like anybody else's on this planet.  I stopped comparing myself to others to achieve happiness.  I decided that, what I have is what God gave me and I need to use it to the best of my ability.  Good Life Fitness has helped me see the light.  Everyone has different fitness levels.  My body is still transforming at this point, and always will be, but I know that I cannot constantly look in the mirror and pick out my flaws.  I will concentrate on the good things God has given me and use them to my advantage.  Determination.

I try to live by this quote:
"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life." – John Lennon

Before I started my half marathon training along side bootcamp shortly before February, I wasn't the happiest individual.  I noticed that I was becoming lazy, sitting around on my couch.  SLEEPING on my couch at night which resulted in constant back pain.  I wasn't cleaning up after myself.  Things were just falling apart.  I wasn't doing as a good of job at work anymore, and I personally feel that I have a very important job.  I help disconnected/drop out/youth in the detention center everyday.  Exuding confidence is a must in certain situations.  I didn't feel comfortable and therefore my group activities suffered.  Determination to finish the half marathon and now finish this 8 week challenge is the key.  I became a much happier individual and therefore helped me exude a very conspicuous confidence.  Determination.

Understanding what determination is will help you finish your goals.  I know I can win this competition if I stick to my plan.  I will leave you with this fantastic motivational quote from Roger Bannister.

"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win."

Guess who is winning this 8 week challenge??

Tim