Weak Spots

Definite Chief Aim

Jan 22

“It’s not the load that weighs you down – it’s the way you carry it.”

— Lena Horne

If you were to ask the question as to what is your greatest strength, how would you answer it?

How about your greatest weakness? You know that “weak spot in the dam” that may consistently be getting in your way and weighing you down in the process.

The reason I am asking is that it’s about this time of the new year that many goals that seemed so amazing just a few short weeks ago get left on the side of the road and abandoned. After all can’t they just want until … next year?

If you are currently getting weak in the knees about the goals that seem to be too tough to get done… what if we spend a few minutes today looking at some antidotes to make this year one that is different from perhaps previous ones?

Now let’s say that your goal is one you have looked at for a number of years and just can’t seem to get your arms fully enough around to make happen. Let’s look at even one of the commonest goals of getting healthier and losing some weight.

This was one that I had for many years and last year in 2017 I killed it (in a good way)! Why? Because I created a goal that spoke loudly enough to my heart that I could get it done. Through it I looked at my strengths as well as my “weak spots in the damn” in attaining this goal.

The goal for those of you who remember was to ride a Century Ride (100 miles) around Lake Tahoe in June of this past year. This required right around 1,000 training miles to get it done. No small feat to be sure.

My strengths – a love for cycling, a desire to do this in honor of my mom and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and my good friend Erica who agreed to do it with me as we formed our riding team – The Pedal Girls. I also really wanted to drop some pounds and feel good in my body again.

My weakness – Beyond the fact I had been putting this particular goals off for 8 years, I also do not have such a great track record as an athlete. In fact overall I have a dislike for “working out” just to work out.

Probably my biggest nemesis of the all was cycling in the mountains (of which there were a lot of them in training and in Tahoe). This weakness alone had been a huge block for getting the ride done.

My strengths were there to assist me and then the support team I put around me were there to assist me with my weaknesses. I lost 30 pounds, accomplished one of the biggest physical goals of my life and learned so much about myself in the process.

Here are my 7 secret steps to achieve any goal:

1. Get absolutely clear on your goal and the steps it will take to get there.

2. Give yourself a strong passion for the goal and those steps.

3. Get extra clear on the weak spots that have stopped you before.

4. Give the challenge to the weak spots as you create a new path.

5. Get your accountability buddies ready to step in when you falter.

6. Give yourself the needed time to do the hard work and buckle down.

7. Get crystal clear on the vision of crossing the finish line.

Now we are currently looking for the Century Ride that is going to take the Pedal Girls through 2018. If you know of any please let me know because we are currently deciding which one to do.

So again, think about that goal and what you need to get your there. Here’s to leaning into doing what you love while pushing past those weak spots!

Video of the week

One Thing – Develop Your Strength with Marcus Buckingham

Marcus Buckhingham has been a favorite of mine for along time as he shares the a different perspective on our strengths.

Challenge of the week

Strengths Worksheet

This quick assessment tool takes just a few minutes to have you look at strengths you may have forgotten along your journey. Just imagine your strengths assisting you with the goals you have in the year ahead. What have you got to lose other than 5 short minutes of your time.

Start this challenge