Love the Process
People typically have a goal stuck in their head that they eventually want to achieve. The main difference that separates growth from staying stagnant, is enduring the process. The process may require certain hardships that might not be too pleasant, but they are necessary to complete in order to achieve a goal.
Over the last couple of years, running has been a constant battle containing a series of setbacks, taking me out of the sport for awhile. My on going battles with mental illness and enduring a lot of physical pain has put my training to a halt or affected the way I have performed. After taking time off, the process of getting back into shape is anything but smooth sailing. Your lungs don't feel capable of taking in oxygen and your legs feel like they have weights tied down to them. I would be lying if I said I absolutely love this feeling. Not many people do. Let me tell you, in those moments I have been so close to handing in the towel so I can take the easy way out. These hardships are necessary in the pursuit of achieving my goal.
A couple of months ago, I got a concussion, which ended my final season in college early. I questioned God a lot through that process, thinking that last year was enough of a test for me. I looked back and realized I was becoming so invested in my performance again that I started rushing the process to get back to the level I was once at. God gave me a lot of perspective on what is really important and continuing to test me on my faith and patience when it comes to my goals. What I hear him asking me is "Do you really want it?" My coach sent out this article that talked about peoples goals and how if they really wanted to achieve them, they had to go through painful steps during their journey. This applies to all aspects of life. If your goal is to get straight A's then it is necessary to spend days and nights, studying to go the extra mile. Many people can dream of becoming a rockstar, but are they willing to take risks and put themselves into challenging situations in order to get there? My concussion pushed me back even further from my pursuit of achieving what I wanted out of running. The pain of remembering how it feels to work hard, still continued to resinate with me when I finally got cleared to run. God is testing my dedication to my sport and loving every step I take in order to achieve my dreams, ensures that I really want to continue this route to get the best possible outcome. It still isn't easy to stay patient! I am notorious for wanting that instant gratification. Unfortunately some of the things that people want out of life can't happen with the snap of a finger. So everyone listen up!! You need to be in love with the Journey through the good, bad, and ugly, instead of only the outcome. Remember, God is with you through all the trials and tribulations, when the going gets tough! Also, remember to stay patient throughout that and know he is shining a light at the end of a tunnel for you to reach in his own time. Keep trucking along my friends, so you can be where you always wanted to be.
Much love,
Samzo