Three Little Words

“I did it.” The simple, three word text message said it all. I read it and immediately threw a celebratory fist pump into the air for my friend Mark. He had just completed his first triathlon.

Later in the day we spoke by phone and the sense of joy in his achievement was absolutely palpable. I got excited just talking to him. He marveled at his own accomplishment. At fifty years of age he decided to get into the best shape of his life and the triathlon was his impetus for focus. Now he had finished the race and accomplished his goal. It was time to savor the moment.

He savored deciding to test his own mettle. He celebrated the discipline to train six days per week. He celebrated the last four months when he worked out two times per day to get in his required swimming, biking, running and weight lifting. And he found satisfaction in conquering his anxiety in the water; the panic common to those learning to breathe correctly in open waters.

While speaking with my friend about his success I was reminded:  In life, before we can say “I did it,” we first have to say, “I will do it.” Between these two declarations are the challenges of success. Anyone who has earned the right to say “I did it” knows the words represent the private battles of a soul that has fought and won. The real joy of success is being able to exclaim:

• I did it! I had a lot to learn and made mistakes but I persevered.
• I did it! I had times when I doubted myself but I kept going.
• I did it! I had times when I was fighting anxiety and panic but I pushed on.
• I did it! I had times when few cared about what I set out to do, but I kept going anyway.
• I did it! I had times when my goal seemed too big, too far, and too hard, but I didn’t quit.
• I did it! I had times when I had no desire to take another step in the direction of my dreams, but I took one anyway.
• I did it! I accomplished what I set out to do.

As we head into summer, remember that amazing life achievements begin by stating what we will do…and then doing those things…whether we feel like it or not.

Credit: Tom Barrett, Ph.D.

Celebrate Success!

One thing that many people forget to keep in mind is celebrating their accomplishments. Often times in the hustle and bustle pace of today’s work environment we get lost in our work. Try this next week:

Friday when you are about to head out of the office take a second to think about what you accomplished that week. Write it down if it helps. Really think about what impact your work had on your co-workers, your team members and your company.

You’d be surprised how much of an impact one person can make in a week. Don’t get so caught up in work that you forget why you got into it in the first place!