When I was a sophomore in high school we were required to run every day at the end of physical education class. After most of an hour of some physical activity (basketball, weights, soccer) we were then told by the toughest instructor at PVHS, Mr Harcus, to take a lap outside the fence line of the school and hen hit the showers. At first this end-of-class harassment seemed like a pain, but then an idea hit me: why dog it when I can have some fun with this?
So, instead of lagging back and just finishing, I took the opportunity to sprint out and lead the class (about 40 guys) around the short course and into the locker room. At first it was a kick just to be the first guy into the showers and not have a crowed, stinking shower. Then it got more fun in that I was actually enjoying the exercise part of it.
And a showing of improvement in other areas.
Also as a part of this PE curriculum of the running of the freshman cross-country course (1.5 miles) each Friday for time. My typical time in this event was around 11 minutes. After the first week of Mr. H’s end-of-class running, I cut 30 seconds off my time. The following week another 30 seconds and marked improvement each week for the rest of the semester until I was running regular 9’s. And the best part about it was at the end of class when we were all sitting around announcing our times so the instructor could record them was hearing the surprise in the group when I announced my times.
We get the chance to run, not just walk, every day. And the extra effort pays off in improvement in many facets of our lives. Go to that extra networking event this week and practice your short introductory speech. Volunteer to help out feeding the homeless. Take the dog for morning walks. Tell your partner (sincerely) that they look good.
That extra networking may just get you the contact with that person you’ve been seeking. The volunteering will get you feeling better about yourself and life in general and help make someone’s day all that much better. Your dog and partner will thank you, too.
So, as my friend Sandy always said, “go out and conquer something.” Lower your time with some extra effort and make it look effortless.
Relentless
