On Perseverance and Looking Forward

When I was six-years-old, my family and I were at a picnic and, for some reason, I signed up for the race for my age group. When the race started, I took off. 

Full speed. 

I was in the lead. But I wanted to see how far away from me the people behind me were.

So I looked back. And I finished the race in second place.  

The next year, when I was seven-years-old, I signed up for the race again. I was a pretty solid runner (for my age) and I was so sure that I was going to win. When the race started, I took off. 

Full speed. Again. 

I was in the lead. Again. But... I wanted to see how far away from me the other people were.

So I looked back. Again. And I finished the race in second place. Again.

When I turned eight-years-old, I signed up for the same race at the same picnic. This time, I had a plan: keep looking forward. When the race started, I took off.

Full speed. 

I was in the lead. Again.

Only this time, I kept looking forward and stayed in the lead.

I finished the race... in first place.

And that was my first life lesson in the beauty of perseverance, grit, and looking forward. 

Stop looking back at the things that are weighing you down or keeping you stagnant. You're so much better than that. You're capable of greatness and can do awesome things if you just keep moving forward. Even if you have slip-ups or setbacks, keep going.

Endure.

And look forward. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

{This post was originally published on April 25, 2013, but the message is timeless.}