Always Choose To Finish Strong

Please take a minute to watch the following inspirational movie:

The Finish Strong Movie

*****

"Ben Hogan. Nearly killed in an auto accident that crushed his legs, he would struggle to walk for the rest of his life...But...16 months later he would win the U.S. Open and ultimately, 5 more major championships."

"Bethany Hamilton. At 13 she was attacked by a shark while surfing. Within six months, she was surfing again competitively...and winning...with one arm."

*****

After watching The Finish Strong Movie, I had a deep thought and a series of questions that I asked myself and which I would like to share with you.

Hearing stories of individuals who overcome extraordinary circumstances that would knock down the average man permanently often have the effect of kicking us in the pants and moving us to action. I know that this is true for me. Over the past few days, I have been feeding off the inspirational stories told by my favorite gurus, Jack and Zig, to help reinforce my belief that achieving my dreams is indeed possible.

I love the idea that we can build upon each other's strengths, that we can learn from each other's failures and successes. Being inspired by others is also a good reminder for me of how we are all interconnected.

I couldn't help wonder, however, where these folks who overcame incredible obstacles and "finished strong" acquired their strength and determination.

Where does the desire to overcome and triumph come from? I believe it comes from somewhere in our belly. I wish I had a better answer, but that is simply where I feel it.

Is there a precise moment during which we decide that even though life has dealt us a bad hand, we will not be defeated? For me, the moments that I have decided to get up after a fall, wipe myself off, and (excuse my language) kick some ass, have always preceded a sense of anger, disappointment, and/or defeat, followed by a refusal to let other individuals or circumstances determine my outcome. I have always known, instinctively, that the choice whether I sink or swim is mine.

As I sat down to write this blog entry, after having watched the movie, I had a sense that the distance that separated us from the folks in the movie was great. Now I'm not so sure. We all face hardship and disappointments. Some are large, some are small. But it is up to us to determine if we finish strong...or not.

"The opportunity for greatness does not knock. It is inside every one of us. However, we must work to get it out." (Zig Ziglar)

Whether you're down or up, the time is ripe for you to ask yourself what you're doing and what you need to be doing to get from where you are to where you want to be. Getting "there," wherever "there" is, is indeed possible, you just have to make it happen.

Boys and Girls, I do believe it is time to Bring it!

Barbie, PhD