Staying Motivated

The easiest way to fail to achieve your goals is through lost motivation.  A busy schedule, fires that need to be put out (more pressing needs) or just having a bad day or week can disrupt your progress toward any goal.  When you reach the point where you feel the need to “refuel”, one good way may be to relax and watch a good movie.  But don’t just watch the latest version of “Jackass” (I’d rather have my fingernails pulled out - wait, probably a poor reference here!), turn to a list of great movies that’ll also leave you ready to attack your world again.  Here’s a short list of my favorites:

The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith, based on a true story

Rudy, Sean Astin, based on a true story

Invincible, Mark Wahlberg, based on a true story

Invictus, Matt Damon, based on a true story

The Blind Side, Sandra Bullock, based on a true story

The Power of One, Morgan Freeman, based on a true story

Running the Sahara, Documentary

Remember the Titans, Denzel Washington, based on a true story

Glory Road, Josh Lucas, based on a true story

Radio, Cuba Gooding, Jr., based on a true story  (see a trend here?!)

In all of them, it comes down to the second rule of SmartGeorge: Life ain’t easy!  (First rule of SmartGeorge: Life ain’t fair)  All of these movies show that reaching your goals only comes from hard work and persistence, and they’ll give you some of yours back.  

What are some of your favorite inspirational movies?  Let me know!

Dan Scheerer, SmartGeorge

dscheerer@smartgeorge.com

Sidelines No More

“It’s easy to be brave from a safe distance.” -Aesop’s Fables

I guess I’ve been brave all my life!  Among many things, I’ve watched the Boston Marathon from a “safe distance” many times.  This year I was at the start in Hopkinton and watched as thousands of runners packed the queue and filed by anxiously awaiting their turn.  In truth, I’ve never been waiting for my turn.  Though I’ve always considered myself an athlete, (that is to say, I enjoy athletic pursuits) if it isn’t chasing a ball, I generally have no interest.  Such is the case with running - no interest whatsoever.

But I do have interest in being fit and so have dabbled in some biking over the past years as a way to get some independent exercise (no partner needed as in tennis, soccer, etc.)  But biking is challenged by weather here in the northeast in winter months, so I have made a decision - get off the sideline and jump into the fray - I’m going to try my hand at running.  

Pathetic at the start, really.  I nearly killed myself to go 1.6 miles.  Lasted slightly more than 15 minutes.  Done.  That was several weeks ago and now with nearly a dozen runs under my belt I’m making painful but steady progress.  Last night I ran farther than I ever have - four miles.  Well, after about 3.2 I walked about 50 yards, but then finished strong.  Next time I’ll eliminate the walk.  

I don’t know where this is going for me.  I have no designs on a marathon, but I feel good despite the sore legs and creaky knees.  I have signed up for a 5K (my first ever!) and now actually expect to finish.  I’ll no longer be on the sidelines, and it feels good.

Dan Scheerer, SmartGeorge