33 weeks ago I set out to achieve two personal goals - Run 12km and swim 1km. Last night I ran 12km and this morning I swam my 1km. Both goals done before my deadline which I set at 1 Dec 2018.
The first time I ran, week 1, I only managed about 400m and my first swim I could only do 50m before needing a long rest. It's quite surreal today to have reached my goals but in the same breath I am now left with a void and need to fill it quickly with new goals.
So what did I learn from this experience?
Motivation is not enough
You need to create an environment that supports your goals. Remove elements that will hinder your progress and install elements that will promote your progress. I read almost all of Ben Hardy's blog posts, he writes on Medium and he speaks a lot about how important your environment is to self development. I found this to be true and by applying this principle it supported me through this time.
Create accountability
Make your goals public, also taken from the advice of Ben, I found this to be a powerful positive force which helped keep me on track. I told my family what I wanted to do and I created my inception posts on Steemit creating an environment of accountability for my progress.
Confidence is earned
I did not start out with confidence to do this. Slowly, over time by carrying out small daily goals I started building confidence. Only when I got to about 5km did I start believing that I could actually do this.
Anything can be achieved if you're willing to pay the price
In hindsight, my training routine was not at all extreme. I only managed to fit in 1 or 2 training sessions per week. I had to fit it around things already established in my life. It highlights to me the transformation power that having continuous massive goals can have on your life regardless of how full your life may already seem.
There is no final destination
Goals have a start and finish, but our life is linear. It's about continuously progressing toward becoming the best version of ourselves we can be.
In conclusion
Thanks you guys for your support during this time. I appreciate that fact that you took the time to read my posts. Its now time to set the goals for the next season.