When faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, on the way towards a goal, what processes do you apply? This is the type of question High-Performers ask themselves to instill consistency when moving forward.
I was faced with one of these yesterday, and I was able to break down my approach and deliver a performance that I would never have thought I could achieve — first the backstory.
For those that know me well, you know I am, shall we say, orthopedically challenged. I was, at one time, legally handicapped due to a variety of injuries suffered in the past. Due to the severe osteoarthritis of my left ankle, I had to walk with a cane at the age of 43. For ten years, through hard work and diet, I mostly overcame the pain and led an active life. At one point, however, the pain returned and was much worse. Fortunately for me, ankle replacement technology had advanced appreciably.
Fast forward to yesterday. While a beneficiary of superb medical treatment and technology, I still have limitations. One year ago, on Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, I had to quit after 10 miles because I could barely walk. This year, I felt the same progression occurring. My ankle was starting to seize up, and I began to favor my left leg. This cascaded to fatigue elsewhere in my system. I didn’t want to let my team, The Sparkly Unicorns, down. That’s when I applied my four rules to address challenges.
1) Think about it
I was doing the same things as last year. Of course, the same result would manifest. This time, I’ll try to stretch it out. I would increase the length of my stride, head forward, taking every step with mindful intention. I decided to walk much faster by lengthening my stride.
2) Positive Mindset
I imagined myself as an elite athlete. I established the objective of passing everyone. Before I knew it, I was nearly fifteen minutes in front of my team. At the halfway point I felt in control and full of power, whereas last year I was limping badly. My team caught up. I set the pace for the remainder of the walk, and we all crossed the finish line together.
3) Execute
Follow through and stay consistent. For the rest of the walk, even when with my team, I focused on maintaining a steady stride and form.
4) Get into the Flow
Success breeds success. A euphoric feeling of deep contentment overcame me. With each step, I become more confident that I would overcome by preset beliefs that I would be only complete a 10-mile walk.
At the finish line, we were all suffering a bit. Overcoming suffering to achieve a goal is what brings us the most satisfaction.
Thank you, Suki, Oona, Yu-Mei, and Scott for inspiring me to excel. It meant the world to me.
