Use Failure as a Launching Point
2020 was a tough year to say the least, but looking back at it, I also have plenty of memories that put a smile to my face. I think back to days where I would spend hours with my son out on the trails exploring and me trying to wear him out so he’d sleep! I think about adjustments I made to help keep the Trail Roots running community connected during the early stages of “stay at home” and the members that really came out of their shells because we were one of their main social outlets. I think about the drive-way get togethers we had with our neighbors and how much closer I feel to them. On the other hand, I can think back on the tough political conversations I had within my own family, and then heard from others, and the amount of hate across the board that I saw. I had days or weeks wondering if and when I would get the Corona virus. Did I stand too close to someone or forget to wash my hands and then pick my nose? Did I breathe in a fellow runner’s spit or cough? One good thing I realized is that this was probably a good time for the world to stop eating our boogers. I was afraid quite often this year, but it turns out we were pretty fortunate.
My 3 year old son Wyatt woke me up before the crack of dawn this morning and I was trying to continue sleeping while letting him watch A bugs life (for the 5th time this week). I never really do go back to sleep. I caught a glimpse of a show or a commercial. I actually cant even remember. What sparked in my mind though is that we encounter many difficult or traumatic experience and how they shift our direction. I think back on some of the most challenging times in my life and how long the bruises have stuck with me. These experience can really shape how we live and what decisions we make going forward and many of the times they are based on fear. Sometimes fear is necessary and other times it might not be.
Can we use this past year as a launching point? Can this year be just the start of something epic? What is rational and what is fear? I don’t know, but it is something to think on…Or will this past year linger with us and be the ending of our story? Will it be our excuse? We can always have a reason to why we are depressed, stressed, or why something didn’t work out. I am not saying these challenges aren’t real, but how you (and me) react and carry on will be key in how you and your story is told. How do we find motivation to train and run the way we did before Covid? Can we find new momentum?
The time is now. Be present, but if you know you are better with some goals along the way, then start putting them back out there. It might not go exactly as planned, but deciding to go for it will be worth the effort. Don’t let yourself stay too long in the weeds when there are plenty of beautiful flowers all around!