“Your current predicament does not limit the possibility for your productivity.” – Rev. Howard John Wesley
My First Marathon
Early on the morning of November 2, 2019, I set out to complete a long- term goal; my first marathon. It turned out to be the most grueling yet gratifying experience. But a disappointment almost derailed it. As I neared the halfway point (13.1 miles), I looked at my run mile logging app. I had completed 11.2 miles. I soldiered on. After some time, I noticed the app was not providing me audio updates for how far I had run. Believing I had reached the halfway point, I decided to recheck the app. Much to my dismay, the app was still reading 11.2 miles! For reasons unknown to me, the app had stopped logging my miles. This drained my enthusiasm and some of my energy. The fatigue that was held back by my enthusiasm hit me like a ton of bricks. Several thoughts raced through my mind. “How did this happen?” Should I stop?” Maybe this was not meant to be?” I should be in the second half of the marathon by now. ”Of all the days, this could happen…” These thoughts slowed my pace down to a slow jog.
Before I continue sharing my story, the question, “amid Overwhelming Difficulties and Disappointments (O.D.Ds) , what Ordinary Progress-making Possibilities (O.P.Ps) are available to me?” help us keep our focus and give our best even when the odds are stacked against us.
“Amid Overwhelming Difficulties and Disappointments (O.D.Ds) , what Ordinary Progress-making Possibilities (O.P.Ps) are available to me?“
A Mental Powerwash
As my disappointment grew, my breathing became uncontrollable, and my pace slowed even further. Fortunately, my friend Samson, who came along on a bike to cheer me on, inquired, “What’s wrong?” When I relayed what happened, he reminded me we were close to the halfway point, and that I should keep going. His words power washed my mind from the thoughts that were wreaking havoc. Reinvigorated, I made up for the miles not recorded. In the second half of the run, the fatigue returned with gusto, and my legs started to feel like concrete blocks. Samson urged me onward. It was at that moment the O.D.Ds and O.P.Ps question popped into my mind. I did not know if I had it in me to finish the run, but I knew that I had it in me to complete the next mile. Then the next. And the next. I focused on these ordinary progress-making possibilities (O.P.Ps) until Samson excitedly announced, “Last mile!” I girded myself up and gave what I had left to the finish.
Turning ODDs into OPPs
Though the disappointment of the miles not logged was difficult to reconcile with, the need to get my mental state back on course by creating small progress markers was of greater importance. What are you spending your focus on lately? Are you focused on your disappointments and setbacks and have shelved your goals or growth plan? What thoughts are racing your mind due to your current difficulties or disappointments? The way to turn your ODDs into OPPs is by making small mental adjustments to bring into focus the things that will help you make progress. What are the ordinary progress-making possibilities available to you now? By changing the ODDs to OPPs, life can take on a different trajectory.
The way to turn your ODDs into OPPs is by making small mental adjustments to bring into focus the things that will help you make progress.
Final thought: The more time given to the O.D.Ds means less time allocated to the O.P.Ps that are available but not easily noticeable. When the odds are stacked against you, a change of focus can be the difference between giving in and going on.
Keep on keeping on!
Discover Your Treasure 