Three Penguins Learn Optimism

The saga of the Penguin and the Griz continues. It will end before you hear from me the next time. Next Sunday is the day after the race. We will know only then what happened and what didn’t.

Nevertheless, the journey goes on. Several weeks ago, we introduced Martin Seligman’s book, Learned Optimism. We discovered that a hopeful outlook maintains our motivation and boosts our performance.

We also found that optimism is realistic. It knows that things don’t always turn out our way. If reality derails the objective, or if the cost of success is too great, the optimist confidently seeks another option.

I have written about my running buddies, Ann and Jane. We have run a number of half marathons together and have supported one another’s journey as Penguins at the back of the pack. We decided a year ago to converge on Choteau for the Griz. As reality unfolded, I was the last Penguin standing (until I fell).

Ann took a job in another state, and changed her summer running goal. Then she popped a calf muscle. She is recovering in the land of ice, ibuprofen, and cross training while she re-calculates.

Jane found that work and family commitments expanded, expanded, and expanded some more. They filled the time and overflowed. Eventually we agreed that running the Griz would yield to priorities closer to the center of importance.

Then, on one of my final training runs, I fell on a rock. I have been Googling deep muscle bruises and am seeking professional advice. The data do not reassure me about running next week. Though holding onto a thread of hope, I too am re-calculating.

This is about Buddies. We have talked about Buddies who cheer us on, helping us overcome discouragement, keeping the goal in view. The time comes when Buddies also help us deal with the need for re-evaluating our goals and setting new ones. Buddies know, perhaps even before we do, that the time has come to step back and take the longer view of success.

Who do you trust for support when you face challenges and barriers? Who will help you weigh persistence and drive against the wisdom of changing course? Who can set aside their own agenda for your success and help you find your own? Seek those people out and give them a hug, for they are Buddies of enormous value.

Until the next time go well.

Pam
www.wellbuddies.com