Chapter 2: Breaking Down Goals

Envisioning our first mountain as a horizontal time series on the x-axis, rather than a traditional bar graph, helps us relate better to our objectives. This approach reveals that understanding the timing of our actions may be more crucial than the reasons behind them. Sometimes, our motivations might be unclear, or perhaps they aren't the most suitable for our current circumstances. In such cases, sustaining motivation can be a more significant challenge.

Achievement is rarely a straightforward journey. We often find ourselves entangled in unquantifiable aspects that must be addressed before we can progress. For example, after completing an Ironman, I found myself so physically strained that running became a struggle. Activities that once felt effortless turned into a painful challenge. I can recall nights filled with tears due to my body's tightness, even a year post-event.

What hindered my progress was my underlying motivation. I was attempting to validate myself, which caused my body to resist. The change came when I reassessed my purpose. By starting anew with the Nike Running Club, everything shifted. Coach Chris Bennett encouraged me to run at an easy pace, and I embraced that advice.

After six months of this approach, I achieved my fastest 5K time ever—at age 38.

Call to Action

You don't need to complicate your progress tracking right from the start. Simplify it by dissecting your goals. Ask yourself: Why do you wish to improve? What benefits will it bring? Is this improvement essential for your growth? What assumptions are you making? How much time will it require? Are you hurrying or taking too long? How are you achieving your goals? Is there a way to apply the same effort differently for better results?

These principles apply equally to both art and athletics.