Are Your Running Towards Your Dreams?

I posted a picture yesterday with clear differences between two girls. Many answers were acceptable, but THE biggest difference between the two is the THOUGHTS they each had at the time of the picture, therefore creating different results. I know, because they are both me. The one on the left was never athletic - never made the cheerleading team - ever, and was typically the last one chosen for any gym class team. She thought eating Pop Tarts, Twinkies, and Devil Dogs brought her joy. The one on the right is choosing thoughts to evolve, and bring joy in “mindful weighs”. When we begin to recognize the importance of our thoughts we can decide which ones serve our purpose in life. Let me tell you a story with examples, and then offer an amazing tool to help you run towards your dreams.

I’ve completed multiple half marathons, but yesterday was the first one without family or friends by my side. Honestly it wasn't intended that way - initially we were a party of 5 - but the other 4 had reasons (thoughts) as to why they couldn’t do it as it got closer. Reasons could be they didn’t prepare - timing wasn’t right - other things came up. They all seem quite acceptable. The fact is they absolutely could’ve done it. You know how I know? They simply could’ve changed their thoughts and finished it. Sounds crazy, but you see, if I told them I was going to cut their children’s/loved ones pinky fingers off unless they did it - well now, that is quite a different thought, which triggers a different feeling, which initiates different actions, and would bring different results. Fascinating right?

Let me offer another example, and a tool that can help you run towards your dreams. Once I found out I was the only one going I could've had the following thoughts - I’ve always had family or friends join in the 1/2’s - I will be all by myself, I’m traveling 2 hours to just sit in the hotel the night before and twiddle my thumbs, I should stay at home because I need to clean the house and catch up on my expense reports, I could save money on the hotel by not going. All seem reasonable - but do they serve my goal in evolving and brining joy? No.

The tool I want to offer you is simple, yet amazing. It is one question to start. Katie Byron says this question can change your life. Be still and ask yourself - Is It True?

In my example - - Is It True?

… “I will be all by myself” — (Is it true?) NO - there are 17,000 other runners - I am clearly not by myself. Instead I can think how inspiring everyone’s stories are that brought them there, and runners give the best encouragement on any course.

…” I’ll just sit in the hotel the night before and twiddle my thumbs” - (Is it true?) NO - I am not just sitting there - I will have dinner, can take some tests for work, get my music set, catch up on emails. Instead I can think - I will enjoy some productive time and also have quiet time for myself without interruptions.

“I need to clean the house and catch up on my expense reports” - (Is it true?) NO - honestly I tend find any reason to not do my expense report anyhow. Instead I can think - its only Friday night and 1/2 day Saturday - I have plenty of time to clean, and it will be there when I return.

“I could save money by staying home and not getting the hotel” - (Is it true?) NO - by the time I found out it was non refundable anyhow. So instead I can think how lucky I am to have a place so close to the race, with dinner options nearby, I will receive hotel points, and free wifi to boot!

Can you see how just recognizing and changing our thoughts can create such different feelings, which triggers different actions, therefore bringing different results? I encourage you to start paying attention to your dream stealing thoughts - are they true - really? You will be amazed. Now go #runwithit and blow your own mind!