Defining Success
When I first thought about the topic of success, my mind went directly to fitness goals and what it feels like to achieve them. Maybe that is because I am personally on a fitness journey after having a baby, but then I realized, prior to Lucy, I still found joy in celebrating small accomplishments surrounding an active lifestyle. Looking back on my adult life, once competitive sports and teams were no longer a daily part of my routine, I realize I quickly replaced that sense of achievement with a more personalized fitness plan found in a gym or on the road rather than found on a field.
Fast-forward to my current fitness regiment, and it is far from perfect, but it perfectly fits me with where I am in my life. Now, being a girl that used to workout 6-7 days a week before life got busy, I never would have guessed that sweating 3-4 times a week would ever feel like enough, but it does! Heck, even getting in 1-2 workouts a week feels like a success! If I have learned anything over these past 16 months of being a first-time mom it is that you should, and sometimes MUST, celebrate the small stuff. Because, let’s face it, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Just Get Out There
In a perfect world, I would set the goal of going for a fast run, and then achieve it. Then reality sets in. It’s hot. I’m tired. I have a baby that needs to be entertained. I am out of shape…see a trend here? Excuses can creep in with a blink of an eye. So, instead of giving up, I celebrate the small successes. Maybe it is too hot to go all out, but instead I can slow the pace and take in the scenes. Or, if I am feeling sluggish, maybe commit to running from mailbox to mailbox, allowing for a quick breather in between. If Lucy wants to join (taking a stroller is an added success…and workout!), then I focus on how fortunate I am to spend a few minutes with my girl, while showing her the value of a healthy lifestyle. Out of shape…we all have been there. Those are the days that JUST GETTING OUT THE DOOR is a HUGE success! No matter what…if you get out there, CELEBRATE IT!
More Than Just Fitness
This doesn’t just apply to fitness, BTW. If you are working on a project at the office and it is super stressful, break it down into smaller tasks, and give yourself a pat on the back when you get to check things off the list. And yes, sometimes I put things on a list, just so that I can check them off. But that is OK! The world isn’t going to cheer for you every step of the way, so it is important to give yourself a little high five every once in a while! If you notice coworkers needing a little encouragement- celebrate their small successes too! This not only makes for a better office environment, but also creates a camaraderie that helps lighten up a sometimes somber vibe.
Enjoy The Ride
Moral of the story- be proud of yourself and others! Acknowledge achievements, both big and small, and allow yourself to celebrate the small successes! Life is too short to not enjoy the ride!
Fast Facts about Kate:
- Vice President of Marketing at J&A Racing
- Favorite J&A Racing Event: Anthem Wicked 10K
- Favorite Personal Race Memory: meeting up with an old friend annually to the Anthem Shamrock Half Marathon and the Richmond Half Marathon
- Random Fun Fact: spent a few years living the good life Jackson, WY before settling back in VB
