#163 It's not the event that is the reward

Growth Instigators Hotline

It’s not the event that is the reward, it’s getting there.

Thank you for calling GIH where we instigate growth one call at a time where we utilize antiquated technology to deliver 3-minute leadership lessons every week day! This is message #163 and I am Aaron Havens.

At one point in my life I had to have something big on the calendar to motivate me to exercise. The only way I would take my physical health seriously is if I signed up for a triathlon so big it scared me. Not drowning in a lake full of swimmers was a great motivator to cause me to swim nearly every day. What I thought was an indicator of success, which in this case was competing a half ironman, was actually just the final result. The true success was in the work that I had to put in just getting there. The final goal was enough of a motivator to cause me to get serious. Which was why I set the goal in the first place.

Nowadays I’m in a better groove and exercise is enjoyable and part of my healthy rhythms. And you know what’s crazy? Healthy usually rolls down hill. If I’m working out consistently then guess what? That meant and means I’m probably making better eating choices, drinking choices, sleeping choices. So completing the big athletic event wasn’t the reward. The way I became healthier on the road to training for the event was the true, long-term reward.

The Iron man wasn’t the prize. It’s who I became once I completed the Ironman.
A healthier version of me. aaronjameshavens.com not ironman.com

How about you my friends? What is something so big, that it scares you. What is a project or event you’re scared to commit to signing up for because you know the hard work it will take? What’s holding you back? Maybe wisdom? Yeah that could be. Maybe that event isn’t meant for now, something to aim for in the future. However, if you’re hiding behind fear or commitment… maybe it’s time to go for it. And maybe, just maybe, the version you become along the way to accomplishing this event or thing, might surprise you!

Thanks for calling in today. Tune in tomorrow for a fresh new topic. At the sound of the beep, what is something big you’re in middle of, or what is something in the back of you head you want to commit to? What’s holding you back?