Dedication, Desire, Drive

Today while driving to the grocery store I observed two people out jogging. Now the sight of two people out for a morning jog is normally nothing to write about. I mean around the world today there was perhaps millions of people out jogging this morning. So, what made it so special about these two that I should take time to write about it. And why did I include the picture to the right.

It was the circumstances under which they were running. Your see in Central Ohio, it is mid-December, so the weather is not usually really cooperative with outside running and today it was especially challenging. It was about 35 degrees and raining. If you ever experienced running in a cold rain, you will understand that it really is miserable. The rain soaks your clothes making them heavier and heavier and no matter what, your ankles and face get some exposure to the water and cold. Your feet get wet and the cold settles into your bones. And the guy in the picture is obviously challenging himself by running where he is at, higher elevation, bad terrain and he looks dressed for cold weather at the least.

Now, some of you may be saying that these people were nuts for jogging in this kind of weather or across those mountains and that terrain. Couldn't they just have run on a treadmill inside where it was warm? Well, if they have a treadmill then the answer would be yes. If not, then that was not an option. OK, then what about just taking the day off? Again, a possibility but they chose not do so. And why do you think they chose to run in these conditions?

Well, here are my thoughts on this.

First of all, anyone who has ever wanted to accomplish anything knows that there are are obstacles and challenges to overcome. And sometimes it is those very obstacles and challenges that they seek to overcome that make the journey to the goal more worthwhile.

Facing adversity in life and overcoming it makes you stronger, builds character and gives you confidence. Sure it is nice when, from time to time, things come a little easier but after you finished that run in the cold and rain, you feel more alive than ever because you not only made your goal for the day but you did so under adverse conditions. You did not give in to the fear, doubt or challenge but faced it head on. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

Secondly, if you want to succeed or accomplish anything in life you must apply the three Ds; dedication, desire and drive.

Combine these three feelings and you will never quit, never give up and even when defeat is eminent, you will find the victory in the defeat. When the goal will not be reached, you will find the positive in the negative. When the outcome will be less than desirable, you will find the joy in the sorrow. When you just "did it anyway", you will appreciate the journey!

You see these three obviously had some goal they were trying to reach so they were applying the three Ds on this day. And no matter what, they were going to accomplish what they set out to do. No, cold, no rain, no bad terrain, nothing was stopping them from doing what they needed to do this day to work towards their goal. Do you think these three will reach their goals? More than likely yes for they have already shown they have the dedication, desire and drive to do so.

Here is my definition on those three Ds:

1. Dedication: The feeling that no matter what you will work as hard as you can to see something through to the end.

2. Desire: A feeling deep in your soul that there is something you wish to accomplish or attain.

3. Drive: The internal feeling that fuels you when things get the toughest.

So, what goals are you trying to attain? Are you applying the three Ds or are you giving in to fear and doubt? Do you shrink away from challenges or meet them head on?

Thanks for reading my blog today. I hope I was able to provide you with something that you can use to better your life. Please feel free to share a comment, story, and/or provide any suggestions for topics for future posts.

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry

http://www.raresenseunlimited.com/

Sometimes you just need a break!

Hi all,

I have not blogged in awhile because I decided to take a much needed technology break and combine it with a little family vacation and business trip. So, my wife and I packed up our car and took the scenic route to my hometown and back, with some diversion in between.

Along the way, we stopped in Newark, OH at the Ohio State Campus there to drop off some things to our daughter, then it was off to Coshocton and Roscoe Village. Roscoe Village is a quaint little place with shops, a museum, canal boat ride, living history exhibits and restaurants housed in buildings from the early 1900's and earlier.

We spent part of the afternoon shopping and having a nice lunch in The Warehouse Restaurant. It was a beautiful day. When we were done, we headed for the back roads and after discovering we had went the wrong direction for a time (even though the scenery was beautiful and led us to a gorgeous lake), we got turned around and came upon Gen. George Custer's birthplace and memorial. We stopped, took some pictures and read some information about Custer. We would probably never had been to his birthplace had it not been for taking a little accidental detour

After the little detour we headed up through Carrolton to Salem, OH. It was getting to be dinner time and by simple happenstance we came across a little family restaurant, Annabelle's. We stopped and had a wonderful dinner. If you are ever in Salem, OH, stop by Annabelle's, you'll be glad you did. One other nice thing about the trip was along the drive, we did not listen to the radio, we just talked and enjoyed each other's company and the scenery.

That Saturday, we went to Southfield, Michigan with our daughter (Melinda) and my Mom to visit my Great Aunt, who will be 94 in November. We had a little adventure as Melinda was coming from Columbus and meeting us in Sandusky to go to the Southfield and somehow thought she was supposed to bring our 70# Chocolate Lab (Toby) with her. Needless to say it was a little crowded in the back seat but all went well. When we got to the Southfield, Melinda and I took turns staying outside with Toby since he could not go into the apartment building.

The visit with Tusa (Romanian for Aunt) Eleanor was great. Even though she is sliding physically, she still has her wonderful wit and sense of humor.

Sunday, I had a speaking engagement in Warren, OH, which went very well. I sold some books and made some new contacts. That evening, Tammy and I went to see a friend of hers that she had not seen in 25 years. It was a nice visit as we were at a camp ground and the weather was perfect, the fire smelled great and the tree frogs were serenading us.

Monday, Tammy and I took the scenic route back home, stopping at an outlet mall for a time. Once again, there was no radio, just good conversation and beautiful scenery.

One of the best things about the trip is I took a break from technology. I did not post, check e-mails, nothing. I did get some reading done and I highly recommend "The Power of Intention" by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It was nice, really nice.

So, after all that, here is the lesson. Sometimes the best things in life are simple and free. The time I spent with family and friends was priceless and the time away from technology energizing. My suggestion is take time away from your hectic life. Take a drive along some scenic byway and just be with the ones you love! It is refreshing!

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry