It has been a while since the last blog entry. It has been a period with a lot of exciting stuff including work, university, teen camp in Denmark, lots of swim training and time with the family.
Many people have asked me how I get so many things done. In reality though, I have the same 168 hours every week that other people have. I just use them differently. It does require a strong focus and discipline to get it all done, and there are not really any shortcuts. It is a lot of work, and it also involves some sacrifices.
In this post, I will share two stories of people, who do not take any shortcuts either. Similar to the rest of us, they have 168 hours every week and look at what they have accomplished, and they keep going...
In this post, I will share two stories of people, who do not take any shortcuts either. Similar to the rest of us, they have 168 hours every week and look at what they have accomplished, and they keep going...
The first story is about Team Hoyt. Some of you have probably seen the YouTube videos being circulated, and it is indeed a very moving story. Team Hoyt consists of father Dick and his son, Rick. They compete in marathons, triathlons and other races. Now that might not sound that extraordinary was it not for the fact that Rick has cerebral palsy. Consequently, Dick has to pull Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.
They started in 1977, and by now, they have competed in close to 1,000 events. In 1992, the biked and ran across the USA. Apart from all the physical activity and against all odds, Rick has also acquired a college degree and now works at Boston College. You can see an inspiring documentary about Team Hoyt here.
The second story is about the mayor of Mississauga in Canada. Her name is Hazel McCallion, and she is 88 years old. She has been the mayor since 1977 and is still going strong. She was easily re-elected in November 2006 for her 11th consecutive term, holding a 92% majority of the votes.
The second story is about the mayor of Mississauga in Canada. Her name is Hazel McCallion, and she is 88 years old. She has been the mayor since 1977 and is still going strong. She was easily re-elected in November 2006 for her 11th consecutive term, holding a 92% majority of the votes.
She has no wish to retire, and she loves what she does. She used to be a professional ice hockey player, and she still gets on the ice to play. Hazel has humor and lots of energy despite her age. She lives a life full of meaning and purpose. You can see an interview with Hazel here.
When you watch these two stories, it is hard to come up with any reasons for not achieving what you want in your own life. Both the Hoyt's and Hazel have done whatever it takes to make it happen. They have had clear goals, strong focus, been persistent and had an unquestionable faith that it was all possible. Not to mention, they have all worked really hard. They are not quitters but live their full potential.
Through my work with adults and teens, I often come across people, who do not live their full potential. They have consciously or subconsciously decided that enough is enough, "I might not be happy but I am not entirely unhappy either. Being successful requires me to get out of the comfort zone and work harder, and it is a lot easier to stay on the couch."
If you believe in excuses, blaming the world and mastering misery, this last video is for you.
WARNING: It might make you laugh! You can see it here.
We all have a choice. and as it is rather obvious from Team Hoyt and Hazel: "Life is not a spectator sport."
Keep Inspiring!
Happy Days
Coach Bay
2 comments:
your blog is very nice
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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