Smiling Through the Miles: The Power of Positivity

Imagine starting a grueling race with one goal in mind… Fun! The horn sounded and I ran into the water. As the waves splashed, I began a six-plus-hour journey that started with a 1.2-mile swim. It had been ten years since my last Ironman, and I was a different person now.

As I embarked on the Happy Valley 70.3 Ironman last weekend, the biggest difference was my attitude. One of the core principles in The Life Is Too Short Guy is Attitude is Everything… The Power of Positivity!

I’ve done dozens of races: marathons, half-marathons, Ironman triathlons, 5k’s, and everything in between. As a typical Type-A personality, every race was a bigger challenge. I hired new coaches, tested new training regimens, pushed and pushed, and constantly set the bar higher, until now.

When I committed to this race last year, my singular goal was to have fun. Last time it was about being an Ironman. This time it was about being a Funman. No specific training mileage targets, no goal race time (well, maybe a soft one), no plans to place in my age group. This one was about fun. I told my wife, friends, and coach my fun goal. No one really believed me, but it happened. And this was my favorite race ever!

As race day approached, the normal stress and butterflies were gone. I was focused, but more on my goal… FUN! Before 6 a.m., I stood among nearly 1,500 participants. The tension and nerves were palpable, but not for me. I smiled and asked everyone how they were doing, offering words of encouragement and support.

The 56-mile bike ride was “challenging,” to say the least. The hills were constant, long, and steep. The headwind and high temperature took down many racers. But I just kept smiling and waving. I pointed to dozens of fans along the course and asked them how they were doing as I rode by. I waved to hundreds more. I smiled and smiled and heard people say, “Wow, he is having fun” and “Look at his smile.” I talked to other bikers as I rode by them. I saw the details of the world around me: beautiful green rolling hills, Amish families waving, cows, horses, snakes, birds, deer, squirrels, butterflies, bees, and more. I was having fun!

The bike ended on a steep climb where I heard many racers cursing. I smiled and asked a few if they were having fun, saying, “Hill, what hill?” I transitioned from the bike to the final leg, a 13.1-mile run. Many racers were exhausted, but I kept smiling. I was in agony too, but I was having fun as I observed and engaged with fans and volunteers. I saw my wife, kids, and their friends cheering me on. I smiled and yelled, “thank you.”

The finish line was in the Penn State football stadium. For a college football (and Penn State) fan, this was special. Really special. As I crossed the line, I limped with cramps to get my medal, smiling and asking the first person I saw how her day was and if she was having fun. It was by far the best race I ever ran. Not the fastest, but the most fun. Focusing on Attitude is Everything… The Power of Positivity changed my entire perspective.

As you think about your day ahead, how are you approaching work, life, family, friends? Are you having FUN? Really having fun? Or are you going through the motions, chasing the next challenge, deal, dollar, or sale without enjoying the journey? Did you forget why you are doing what you do? Whatever you do today, tomorrow, and forever, make it fun. Make fun your primary goal and watch how much more you enjoy life!

Spreading the LITSG MessageI am on a mission to make the world happier one smile at a time. I have spoken to a wide range of conferences and teams around the country. Are you looking to spread a message of happiness, positivity, gratefulness, and fun? Reach out to discuss how I can be helpful.Smile and have fun. I mean really have fun. If it isn’t fun, make it fun or think about whether you really should be doing it. Make today, and every day, the best day ever.

Regards,
Scott