I’m not even sure I want to post this yet, but I’m going to do it anyway. (Something about putting the following sentence in print makes me nervous) But here goes…I started running. And I set a goal for myself to participate in a race in April. A half-marathon, to be exact. You should know this – I am not a runner. Yet. I like to do things when I do run, like dribble and shoot a basketball, or kick something. But running for the sake of running…I’ve always felt like, ‘what’s the point?’. But Susan and I both have goals to get in shape this year, and I figured that I needed a target to shoot for. And at the end of the day, this seemed like the most practical thing to do.
So I am running.
But I’ve decided that there’s another reason I am running, besides getting into shape. (And sorry, this may end up sounding overly-philosophical, but stick with me). Michael Hyatt, super-blogger and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, said this one time about running: ”The reason I run is to train myself not to quit.” (It’s on his blog here somewhere, I couldn’t find the exact spot) What a great quote.
We tend to be great starters in life (starting a new book, a project around the house, a new commitment to pray or read the Bible, etc), and not-so-great finishers. Things get hard; we get distracted; we lack discipline; and so we quit. Question – how many New Year’s resolutions have you actually stuck with? My point exactly.
I know this to be true because it is a struggle of mine as well. I can start things with the best of them – it is when you get to the mucky middle of the thing that it is most tempting to stop. There’s a banister in my house that needs painting right now. It taunts me every time I walk up or down the stairs. It’s something I have started, but haven’t finished. Yet.
We need to train ourselves not to quit – in exercise, yes – but also in life. If you’re a parent, your kids need to learn how not to quit. I believe we can do this by setting up for ourselves situations (i.e. running) where we are tempted to quit. Giving ourselves opportunities to either quit or stick with it. And let me tell you, as I have been running lately, there are times when my body and mind are screaming at me to quit. ”Just stop now…haven’t you gone far enough?…It’s too cold to be out here…you’re never going to make it…you think you can run a half-marathon? Ha!” And the voice in my head goes on and on. But here’s what I am finding too – each time I blow through that and complete my goal for the day, (effectively telling the voice to ‘shut up!’) the voice gets a little quieter next time. I’m training myself not to quit. This carries over in life as well. The fact is, most people quit before they realize their potential. Most people give up right before they are about to push through. Most don’t complete the project, the degree, the spiritual growth plan, the novel, the business start-up, the church start, whatever it is.
I’ve been meditating on this passage lately, when I am running and my legs and head are telling me to quit. It is from the OT book of Isaiah and it says this:
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31
What is it that you want to quit right now? Your job, marriage, kids, project, or ministry? Something else? There are times when I want to stop running. I know for a fact there will be times coming up when I will be tempted to stop. But I am believing in this truth from the Scriptures – not only for my health, but in the rest of my life. That hope that is placed in the Lord will give me new strength, so that I can soar. That I can run and not grow weary.
I want to see this attitude not only in myself, but in my family. I want to train myself – and along the way I hope my kids – not to quit.
Tags: discipline, quitting, running
Great thoughts, Jerel. Are there times we need to quit? Also, what do you think about our tendency not only to quit on ourselves but quit on others?
Finally, is there hope for “quitters”? A rhetorical question obviously, but sometimes quilters feel like losers – I know I have at times. Your topic prompted my thoughts – Thanks!
Lots of great questions, John. Great to hear from you man! There are definitely times to quit. Seth Godin wrote a great little book called “The Dip” which talks about determining when to quit something. You may find you are in a cul-de-sac, and that’s the time that strategically it makes the most sense to quit. I found myself in one of those recently. Probably lots of fodder here for another post – maybe on how to know when to quit and not feel like a loser?
My thoughts were taking your topic in a different direction – am I quiting because I surrender and I admit I can’t do it anymore?
Does quiting mean I am weak or that I need power greater than myself? Or does quitting give me the opportunity to help when others quit?
Is there a macho component to not quiting or is it a God empowering opportunity?
It is inspiring when people overcome amazing obstacles and keep going. Keep writing, it’s inspiring!
Jerel,
You are THE MAN! The running thing is tough, but you may find a point where the endorphins kick in and discover you really like it! We had a great time time training for Susan G. Komen. It DOES help to have a goal! Isaiah 40 has always been my favorite verse and we are doing a Higher Ground service on it in Feb. Run smooth (its easier on your joints) and know that we love you and miss you every day! Hugs all around!