One Race…Ten Hurdles

I’ve been really busy lately.  I’m not too surprised about this situation.  The story should sound familiar to all.  I’m trying to make a difference in the world and what happens?  Obstacles!  Whenever you try to do something constructive make sure you are aware that obstacles will pop up in every direction.  Sometimes you can fight and sometimes you have to roll with the punches.  The key is in awareness.  You must be cogniZant that obstacles will pop up like weeds as soon as positive things start to happen.  Being aware can make a big difference but it doesn’t come easy.  Just as anything you do in life, practice will make you better.  Not necessarily the best…but better.  Turn the obstacles into motivation.  Story time…

I was a freshman in High School when the track coach, Coach Smith, came across my name.  I’m named after my father and he knew my father from when he ran track.  Coach Smith said to me in a stern voice, “You’re running track for me.”  I was cool because I was going to be part of the team.  I started practice and everything was going well.  Then BAM!  He dropped an obstacle right in front of me.  Actually, he dropped 10 in front of me in the form of hurdles.  It was easy running but now he wanted me to run hurDles.  I ran hurdles at every track meet.  It wasn’t that difficult physically but how did I do it mentally?  I was prepared for the challenge and aware that the hurdles would be there.  I practiced on a good start and broke the race down into 10 small obstacles.  Each practice and each race I became better. Crossing the finish line felt wonderful.  I took one step at a time and “hurdled” over each obstacle.  Some hurdlers fell and never finished the race.  They visioned the race as one big obstacle.

The message:  Be aware that obstacles will pop up.  Finish the challenge one step at a time.