Day 66: 21.9 miles/1:19
”I’ve learned that finishing isn’t just an achievement. It’s a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible.” ~ John Hanc
My daughter shared this quote on Facebook last week. I found it interesting how appropriate it was that this quote was waiting for me today. Normally my Monday rides are before sunrise – dark, cold, lonely. Except for today. I decided I was too lazy to get up in time to ride and chose to do my ride after lunch. Which, considering my frame of mind when I finally did get out of bed, was not the best idea. All I was focusing on accomplishing was simply getting out there and finishing the ride—until I looked at my inspiration for the day. Then, I discovered a new perspective that made today’s ride a little more enlightening.
In most respects, anything is possible. It is likely that there are some limitations that would preclude most of us from becoming a professional athlete or, at some point, a highly respected physician, etc. Aside from the obvious, there is little in the realm of our reasonable world that is not possible. More than anything, it is dependent upon our ability to go for it. And, it is dependent upon our ability to have learned from previous successful experiences that inspire us to go for it.
Finishing anything successfully is not simply about the achievement, it is about the learning experience that teaches us that we can accomplish what we set out to. Our successful experiences prepare us for more success. They also inspire us to believe that success is possible when we work at it. Very few of us can really look at our life and say we have never accomplished anything. Every one of us has done something that required effort, focus, work, and commitment. Whatever that accomplishment was, you have now experienced success and understand the feeling that comes with finishing. The next step is to put that experience into a belief that you can tackle the next project you put in front of you – for you now know what is possible.
I have shared several times that the challenge of 100 Pedals was not about whether I thought I could complete the challenge. Experience has taught me that any time I truly internalize a challenge for myself I accomplish it. 100 Pedals was more about giving me purpose and clarity in the form of a unique and difficult challenge. Crossing the finish line has never been my concern. It is possible that I may not; however, if history is any indicator, it is highly likely I will cross that finish line. My previous successful experiences empower me to ride every day with confidence in the belief that I can and will fulfill my commitment.
Our previous successes prepare us for and enable us to believe in our capability of accomplishing anything. Anything is possible provided you remember the times you worked hard and crossed that finish line and are willing to commit the same passion, energy, and belief in crossing the next one. Success is possible because you have done it before and you are poised to do it again. Get moving!
