Because I said I would.

On Aug.30, 2008, I did 1000 push ups. The experience was not what I expected right from the beginning. I told my family that I wanted to do what I said I would even though I wasn't feeling great. They responded with enthusiasm and encouragement. They continued this throughout the day, stating that they knew this was a challenge that I could meet. I needed that little push more than once when I considered stopping.

I was also surprised by some of the reactions that I received from the people that I work with, I have learned a lot about how others view the world. Two people stand out in my mind, one said, ' I would just not do it and tell everyone that I did.' and the other said, 'How can they make you do that?'. I did not know how to respond to these people. A million questions came to mind, including; how did they get this way, how will this attitude affect our world and how can I help them view the world differently? I could have given each of the a lecture about being true to yourself and being a living example to others but I didn't. I simply said, 'Because I said I would'. Each person looked puzzled by my response, I'm hoping that they will eventually get it.

I started this challenge thinking that I would learn some profound lesson about myself. There was not lesson to learn, I already knew that I could accomplish anything that I set my mind to. I did learn a lot about the people in my world and which ones to surround myself with in my pursuit towards mastery.

Aug.14/08 Obstacles.....

When creating a plan, you always talk about obstacles and what to do about them. I was so excited about my plan and so eager to start putting it into play that no obstacle seemed too high. And then reality began to settle in and life got in the way. I was tired from a busy day at work, I wanted to spend time with my family, I wanted to walk my dog, I wanted to hang with my brother who is moving away and so on... This is where the rubber meets the road. I need, for me, to spend an hour each day on my training, regardless of what is going on in my life. How do I do that? Pure determination! I love how I feel after each session and I love how my head works when I have kept a promise to myself.
So I have some catching up to do but the lesson learned was valuable. I can talk a good game but have to live it for the lesson to sink in. Now I know and I can plan accordingly, like maybe half an hour twice a day might work better on a busy day. I think that if I remain aware and flexible that I can stick to this plan and succeed.