Will you be disciplined enough to cross your bridge?

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.

I decided to write a blog on one of my favorite quotes. I'll do my best to describe what this means to me and how it applies to my life. Discipline and focus are words used describe me by friends and family. I love running towards something. I remember my mother saying a couple years ago after I hit a running goal...I had no doubt in my mind he would do it...I know when he says he'll do something it's only a matter of time.

I thought I would look a couple words up in this quote. I'll relate them to some of my running experiences then try to relate what it means to my current goals.

Discipline-Training that develops self-control:

I could go on forever about this right here! I think of all the discipline it took to train for marathons. The amount of self-control it takes to get out there and run the long miles even though your first impulse is to stay home and enjoy relaxation.

Goals-The end toward which effort is directed:

For the marathon the goal was 26.2 looooooooooooong miles! The end was that beautiful looking finish line. All the effort or work along the way carries you there. Such a vital important step in the process. Writing training weeks out ahead of time. Planning miles to run and training partners to help you. Finding races to help break up the routine. Eating properly and taking care of your body. I recently read that goals must be specific, written, set in stone, measurable, realistic, provide motivation, in line with priorities and values, prominent and for a specific time period. Basically have a goal, write it down and hold yourself accountable to it!

Accomplishment-Succeed in doing:

This is when the check mark goes in the box! Or in this case crossing the finish line! The process can never compare to the accomplishment. I remember the grueling experience of miles after miles after miles. Running a race that seemed like it would never end. Crossing that finish line took it all away. All of a sudden the reward was worth the pain.

So now that I am at my current bridge I know I'm still standing on the starting side or I'm at my goals. I have a lot of them this year. It will be a long summer cause I'm giving up a few things that I truly love so I can focus where I need to. I know that will take a lot of discipline on my part cause well lets face it I may hear comments! But when your looking to do something big you have to ignore the crowd noise.

As your standing at the starting line of your bridge(goal) you have to find the discipline to eliminate your distractions and focus your energy on the other side of the bridge(accomplishments). You'll get there no doubt as I don't doubt I'll do what I set out to do. God gives us everything we need to succeed in life.

I really want to challenge you the reader as I finish this blog to cross your bridge whatever it is. Remember to start with the end in mind. You should probably know which bridge your heading to before you decide to cross it! What do you want in your life? What are your dreams? After you figured that out then back up and start writing those goals to get there. Then get in the car and drive!