I didn’t want to do it, but I’m glad I did.

As you may remember, I’m training for a half marathon that takes place in late June. I have a plan – a specific training plan that spells out what distances I will run on which particular days. In my head, I know that sticking to this plan will prepare me for the race. My goals are to finish, perhaps to shave a little time off my last (and first) half marathon, and to do so injury-free.

The other morning I was scheduled to go out for a run. I really didn’t feel like running. I was tired, it was early, and my motivation seemed to have gone AWOL. I got up and went out anyway, convincing myself that just getting started was the first step.

Once I began, I settled in to the run. In fact, it was one of the better runs I have had for a while. The air was fresh, the temperature comfortable, and the time passed quickly. I had some good music to listen to and brainstormed a few ideas for Simply Placed. I do some of my best thinking while out on a run.

So even though I didn’t want to do it, I’m so very glad I did.

For me, this reinforces the benefit to setting a goal for something that is important to you and having a plan of action. Lastly, some discipline to stick to the plan, even if it means just committing to taking one step to get you going, will take you a long way.

What’s in your plan for the day? What will you do if your motivation hides from you for a while? Need more ideas? Please let us know.