Push Thru It! Get "In It"

Having just finished my first half marathon, I often told my running partner during milestones of our three-month training program - we're in it now!

When we ran during the torrential downpour of a hurricane - "we're in it!";
When we finished our first seven miles - "we're in it!";
When we waited for the race to begin - "now, we are really in it!"

Being "in it" reflected a growing commitment, the point of no return - the walking (in my case, running, pining for walking or stopping) my talk. The more I said it, felt it, invested in it, the more I would do what it took to do it. Not "in it" no longer became an option! I moved from hunched over to head up, trepidation to determination; cotton to polypropolene (we had to look good too!); from 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 to 6 to 7 to 8 to 9 to 10 to 11 to 12 to 13.1.

In life, we frequently straddle the fence, think the grass is greener, or doubt our abilites, looking for a way out or staying on the fringes rather than fully being "in it". It's safer that way and surely requires less effort. Easier to turn off the alarm and miss the morning run. Easier to blame someone else than take responsibility. Easier to find a new job (maybe not these days!) or partner or quick fix than do the hard work of learning, growing, changing, challenging that being "in it" requires of us. At the same time, we miss the sweet success, realized dreams, toned legs...I mean, new-found confidence or sense that we gave it our all if "out" is the answer.

• Where might you need to be "in it"?
• What does "in it" feel like for you?
• What behavior, discipline or mindset will "in it" require of you?
• What "in it" decision will you make today?

P.S. Get "In It" caution - There are times when we are "in it" when it may not be in our best interest or that of others; resulting problems may be burnout; one-sided relationships; undue hurt in others. Use your "in it" energy for good (or get out)!