So Why?

Why in the world would a 53 year old guy who hates running decide to run a marathon?  And how does this relate to sales?

(TLDR at the end of the page)

People make changes for many reasons...

In November of 2021, I went to go visit my endocrinologist.  He treats me for my Type 2 Diabetes, and my thyroid disease.  To say I have mismanaged my diabetes care for years is an understatement.  I don't have foot or eye problems, but my a1c is like a rollercoaster.  I have ranged from a good of 5.5 to a really bad of 9.  Every time I get to the high range, I promise Dr. Blank (that is his real name), that I will improve.  "Please don't put me on Insulin"

In November, he told me that I was going to have to go on Insulin.  I hit 7.9, and I wasn't doing what I need to do.  This was his tough love intervention.  Again, I begged him to give me three months to get my s#it together.  He doubted that I could do it, but after some real begging, he relented...on the condition that if I do not get my numbers down, I would have no argument anymore.

So, for the month of December, I didn't do jack.  I was a little depressed, still unemployed, and quite honestly, felt that this was inevitable.

So New Years Eve happened.  I sat at a friends house with a bunch of people and glanced at my cell phone.  The Detroit Free Press Marathon sent me an email telling me that I could now sign up for the Freep International Marathon.  I had run the half marathon in 2013, and that was a major commitment for me.  I was also 9 years younger....and at my age, you start thinking of all the things you will never be able to do in your life...and running a marathon is one of those things that are harder to do as you get older.

So on new years day, I decided to sign up for the marathon, but I didn't tell anyone.  It was a spur of the moment thing, and I still was going to hedge my bet....I could always back out as long as nobody knew.  Not a great start.

So on the 5th of January, I started my quest, still not sure if I was up for the task.  I couldn't run 1 mile..only .93 miles...at a blistering 13 minute mile pace.  Not exactly giving confidence that I can do over 26 miles.  In fact, I was deflated.

The rest of the week, I ran a mile a day, and it got a little easier, and my times got a little better.  Weekly, I would start to push myself...Ran further each week...got better shoes (it's all about the shoes), started putting my stats on a google sheet...And then I did the crazy.  I started telling everyone what I was doing.  

• "Sure you are"
• "so when does this NY Resolution get tossed"
• "Carpe Diem, Motherfucker!"

The more people I told, the more people kept me accountable.  Every time I run, I text my stats to select friends, and I even post it on the Facebooks....I want people to ask me about it, because if they do, I will be less likely to quit.

January 5, 2022 -

• Weight: 229.6 pounds,
• a1c: 7.9

March 5, 2022

• Weight: 217.4 pounds
• a1c: 6.9

SO WHAT IS MY POINT?

If you want to lose weight, or you want to be healthier, you are better off to find other goals to get you there.  I cannot will my body to get a better a1c, nor can I will my body to lose weight.

I can will my body to run 5 times a week.  If I do that, those two other goals will be achieved.

Carpe Diem, Bitches!

​Michael

TLDR:  If you want to make a large change in your life or your business,

1. start with a goal. (Lose weight, make more commissions)
2. Find a related activity that if you do a lot of it, you will surely meet that goal (train for a marathon, make 7500 cold calls)
3. Map it out on a spreadsheet.  What daily, weekly, monthly quarterly mini goals must you meet?  
4. Tell everyone.  Write a blog.  Post it on the facebooks. Tell your boss.  Tell Your spouse.

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