In the last blog I introduced how I got involved in Bootcamp, some of the incredible results I’ve achieved and the idea that running is now a part of my life. Before we get started, let me be very clear about one thing. I do not like to run. As a matter of fact, most (not all, there are some freaks out there) people I’ve met in Bootcamp share the same thoughts about running.
When I first started working with Mike Ferry (the leading National coaching company for real estate) he kept telling us we had to “Prospect.” He’d say, “You can’t be a successful salesperson if you don’t generate leads every day.” I soon discovered he was right. Only one problem though….most of us hate prospecting. I mean why wouldn’t we? It’s uncomfortable, brings rejection and if you’re not practiced in it you can get shut down pretty quickly. So now what? How can one build a successful sales business without it? Well one way would be to spend massive dollars buying business through advertising. I didn’t have that kind of money. Neither did the agents I was managing at the time.
So our only choice was to embrace the fact that while we never have to LIKE or ever LOVE prospecting, we have to RESPECT the fact it’s how we will get to our production and financial goals. That’s a big pill to swallow and one that takes most a bit of time and a real determination to achieving the goals we set. See, many agents who had options, or weren’t as motivated to really meet the goals just wouldn’t buy in to this idea. They will spend a lot of time resisting. When I decided in 2011 to resign from being a real estate coach and go to sales full time, I immediately started prospecting. Now here I am a year and a half later on track to achieve my sales goals for the year. I still dislike prospecting, but I’ve gotten good at it and it gets me to my goals. So I do it because failure is not an option.
Why did I go into that long dissertation about sales when you thought this blog was about running? Well, because the same concept applies. I may or may not ever like or love running. However, I now embrace that it’s the main activity that will help me achieve my fitness goals. Just like prospecting I have learned to RESPECT this part of my training as necessary, essential even. I will learn over time to do it better. I will learn some days will be better than others. I will deal with injuries, pain and being uncomfortable. All because I know this is the way to get where I want to go.
To prove this point last week I officially registered for the Outer Banks Half Marathon. I am still in shock. In fact seeing these words I am not sure I’m even typing the right blog! Why would someone who dislikes running so much, voluntarily sign up for AND PAY for the chance to run 13.1 miles? Honestly I don’t know! Haha, just kidding. I’m doing it because when I finish I will feel such a personal accomplishment it can only propel me that much faster to completing my fitness goals.
I remember the first listing I took from cold call prospecting. I was so pumped I couldn’t stop calling. I took 5 listings that month! So by finishing this half marathon, a feat most would never even attempt, I will be propelled forward into great things for my physical well being. I know it won’t be easy. I know it will be painful. I’m already very uncomfortable, so I must be doing something right. Another lesson learned from my mentors in life is that you’re not growing unless your uncomfortable. Check!
To date I’ve run 7 different organized races. They’ve all been a 5k, which is only 3.1 miles. My best time was the last race run on September 22, 2012 with an official time of 33:02. During Bootcamp, I’ve run as far as 6 miles during an hour and a half. Of course there were stops along the way, but it was 6 miles nonetheless. I have some serious training to do in 6 weeks time in order to be ready for the 13.1 mile challenge. I have no doubt I can do it as long as I keep my mind focused and my training on track.
This will prove to be an even greater challenge now that we’ve discovered just this week that Charlie has another round of fighting Cancer. This actually gives me even more determination to do this. What an example of conflicting thoughts…thinking about how much I dislike running and then having the overwhelming appreciation that I am healthy enough to still run. How could I ever take anything for granted again?
While the time to train will be challenging to find, I’m going to somehow find a way. I’m running in spite of this damn cancer. I’m running just to spite it. I’m running to control my anger that someone so wonderful could be dealing with such overwhelming issues. I’m running to strengthen my love for life and for God and for my adorable boyfriend Charlie. I’m running for you honey. I love you to the moon and back. And without hesitation I’d run that far to heal you.
