This one thing I learned from the NYC Marathon is critical to success

Yesterday, I watched the NYC marathon from a bunch of different points along the 26.219 route, however, I purposely saved the finish line for my last stop.

People crossing the finish line 8+ hours into the marathon, in the dark, were not running through the finish line. They were barely jogging. Many were walking, usually limping, and in a lot of visible discomfort.

So, as I was watching person after person cross the finish line with their arms up in triumph between 5:30 and 6:15 PM, a recurring thought kept hitting me.

These people resolved that no matter what, they were going to finish. No matter how long it took them, they'd cross that line.

In the journey of life, there aren't many cut and dry markers like start and finish lines. However, there are a ton of marathons we choose to enter (whether we realize it or not).

For the sake of consistency, let's define a marathon in life as a process.

---> The reason why getting the body we want is so hard in 6 words is because: It's a process. Not an event.

Dating is a process. Building a company is a process. Establishing trust is a process. And getting the body we want is a process.

Events, on the other hand, are easier to manage, pay for and get excited about.

Processes, though, build results for the long haul.

--

Hopefully, whatever marathons we choose to pursue are worthwhile ones. And when we focus on the benefit, it's easier to get through the inevitable discomfort we'll face. Of course, having support makes all of the difference - and in fact, every runner I asked post marathon said the cheering of the crowd is what kept them going.

But here's the critical mistake so many people make: If you're going to decide to start a marathon, decide up front that you will not quit when the going gets tough.

No matter what it takes, fight like heck to back that commitment up.

One famous couple's counselor asked a simple question that allowed her to have a flawless track record.

The one question that set her apart and made her very successful was this:

At the very beginning, before the first session, she'd ask her clients: 'Are you considering divorce?'

If the answer was yes, she refused to take them on.

Why? Because there really aren't degrees of commitment. As soon as we consider giving up on anything, we are looking for reasons to support that decision.

If we, instead, commit to a project, or mission, or marriage, then we look for reasons to stick with it.

And when it comes to our health and fitness the reasons to stick with it are literally endless.

-Adam

P.S. As a product of divorced parents, I am in no way, shape or form advocating that parents should stick to their marriage, if it's not working. I think the best thing parents can do for their children is be happy themselves (whether it's together or not).