TriJake Goals and Responsibilities

As we get settled in 2014 the true colors of our resolutions show. Some of us are still going strong, some of us are starting to fade, and some of us have given up altogether. I am writing this article today, 16 days after the new year, to remind and reboot the sense of urgency you might’ve had when you made your resolution. Perhaps you’re one who does not make a New Year’s resolutions, perhaps you’re one that always believes in moving forward. If that be the case, then this article is for you too. I find motivation one day at a time. Each day will come as a new day to move forward in my life. I encourage you to adopt the same lifestyle. I was once a victim of trying to do a years worth of work with 24 hours worth of energy. That is not fair to my mind, my body, or my soul. It wasn’t until I started to train for marathons that I really learned how to take things one day at a time, sometimes one step at a time. I often times relate marathon running to life. In that, when running a marathon it is important that you do not focus on how far you have come or how far you have to go. It seems you will be doomed to either conceding to fatigue or succumbing to the daunting task that lies ahead. Through marathon running I learned to run in my steps.

That is just been my experience. I do not force marathon running upon anyone. In fact, I’m adamant about it being your choice. But what I insist upon is that you do something. A friend of mine always says, “It’s not important what you do, but it is crucially important that you do something.” As action is the first pillar of TriJake goal orientation, it starts with setting your mind to a goal. Often times people do not know what goal to set for themselves because they take no action in the first place. Simply put, you cannot discover what you love if you do nothing. I find most people enjoy being mobile, I find most people enjoy the fruits of fitness labor, and I find most people build esteem by accomplishing goals in the fitness arena. This is what this article is about. Self-discovery, goal orientation, and breaking the mold of preconceived limitations we have created for ourselves.

First thing is first, taking action. If you don’t know what you like, or you don’t know what you want to do, this is perfect. It means you are set to become anything you want to become. I encourage people to start by running for 10 minutes. I don’t care how far you run, just try running for 10 minutes. Leave your front door, run for five minutes, turn around, and run back home. If you enjoy it, try it again tomorrow. If you do not enjoy it, Maybe running is not your thing. At least now you have a better idea. I suggest running first, because it’s accessible. All you really need is a pair of shoes, a T-shirt, and some running shorts. Maybe the next day or the day after you can try things like running stadium stairs, plyometric jumping, weightlifting, swimming, indoor or outdoor cycling, and the list can go on for quite a measure. For the purpose of this article, and maintaining our theme of goal orientation. Let’s say you enjoyed your 10 minute run. What does that mean?

There are many goals you can set for yourself with running as a vehicle. There are 5k’s, 10k’s, five milers, half marathons, marathon, ultramarathons, and even obstacle races. Let’s keep it simple, most people think a marathon is out of reach. Maybe a half marathon is more feasible. I happen to believe if you can run 1 mile, you can run 26 miles. But people often tell me that I’m unrealistic or crazy. Maybe they’re right about the crazy, but I don’t think I’m so unrealistic about my philosophy. Half marathoning is a great goal. It’s a great goal for several reasons. The first reason is it’s pretty realistic that somebody can train and run a half marathon. The second reason is because there are smaller goals to reach before you get to the big goal of running 13.1 miles. The third reason is because most people don’t believe they can run 13.1 miles at once, and when they do, the sense of empowerment is overwhelming and exciting. These are things I look for when I work to find goals for clients and myself.

For example, if you think you can run a 5k tomorrow, that should not be your goal. There should be an element of doubt in the goal you pick. Otherwise you will miss the second piece of the TriJake goal orientation. Which is breakthrough. Breakthrough leads to empowerment, and with that power comes responsibility. I carry my responsibility of empowerment by training and helping others set and smash goals. Often times the breakthrough stage of goal orientation is overlooked because sometimes it’s happening without us even knowing. Sometimes it’s running 7 miles without stopping and checking yourself into the hospital. Several times I have helped clients run a distance greater than they thought they could. We trained, they did it, and turned around to look at me as if to say, “no big deal.” It is a big deal, it’s humbling, and empowering. Do not confuse humility and humiliation. If you honestly didn’t think you could do something, and then you did it, do not disservice your accomplishment by saying, “no big deal.” That’s not being humble, that’s being an ass. The humility comes in knowing the reason you smashed that goal is through hard work, dedication, and loyalty to your training and yourself. I did not make it to where I am today alone. I choose to be around positive people. People that carry the torch of success and growth. People that prosper and enjoy life. Surround yourself with great people and prepare to do great things.

With empowerment comes responsibility. I am responsible for my actions. I am responsible for my life. I have taken a role and responsibility to share and encourage others to find themselves on their path. Perhaps your responsibility will be to share your experience with friends and family and they too will be inspired to do something great. It is a big beautiful world and we are each lucky to have the chance to write our own story, to find our own path, to create and mold our own legacy. Don’t look behind you, it’s not the direction you’re headed. You are to move forward. You are meant for great things. Blink, and you may miss it. This is what’s important. Keep it in the day, run in your own steps, and find great people that are supportive and loving in nature. Let patience, love, and tolerance be the code. Together we can move forward. Always4ward.