A GOAL GONE WRONG…..
I love setting goals and pushing myself, and if you caught my recent post about 75 Hard, you know I’m always up for a challenge. I feel most alive and energized when I’m working towards something, so I try to set even mini goals to keep myself in the game.
But, what happens when a goal goes wrong?
A few years ago, I started running consistently, and to my surprise, I kept adding miles. The first time I hit the 10-mile mark? I was on cloud nine! It was around then that I scored a spot in the New York City Marathon. I thought, "Sure, it’s going to be hard, but I’ve got this!"
I’m a planner by nature, so I dove into research, reading everything I could about marathon training. I joined a training group, got the advice, had the plan—everything was lined up for success. But then, well… life happened. The group met at times that weren’t super convenient, so I skipped it. I convinced myself I could do it on my own. And strength training? Eh, I preferred being outside, running around the reservoir or down Riverside Park. So, I didn’t prioritize it. But I felt good, and one morning, I set out for my first 15-mile run and crushed it.
The next morning, though? I woke up and could barely walk. Turns out, my IT band wasn’t so enthusiastic about my shortcut-filled plan, and it made sure I knew it. I was heartbroken. I’d put in the effort, felt amazing, and was so excited—how could this happen?
The truth is, I got ahead of myself. I let my enthusiasm override all the good advice and resources I had. I tried to sprint through what was really a marathon. I hadn’t laid a solid foundation of strength, and my body couldn’t handle it. I know now that a solid foundation is everything.
I bet you can guess this isn’t just a story about running. If you’re working toward big goals in life—whether business, personal, or both—you need to set your foundation first and keep yourself honest about how things are going as you progress. I mean, you don’t have to, but without building internal strength, mental resilience, and perspective along the way, you’re bound to hit a wall eventually.
To start laying that foundation, ask yourself:
Who am I, really? What core values matter most to me, and how can I stay true to them as I’m building my career, nurturing my relationships, and growing my network?
What do I really want? And not just in one area of my life—in all of them.
How would I feel if I looked around one day and saw that I’d created that life?
How much of my energy goes toward fun and play? Am I connecting with others just for the joy of it? How can I add more of this into my life right now?
Hint: Making space for fun, creativity, and time with friends is like taking the time to stretch. It isn’t just a bonus - it’s essential. If you’re in this for the long haul, you need the energy and attitude to keep going, and the flexibility to handle whatever comes your way. Fun and connection fuel that. They’re the ingredients that keep us from burning out.
The great news is—there are SO many resources out there to help you create the life you want in a way that feels good and healthy. Just like there were tons of books, podcasts, and coaches when I first set out to tackle those 26.2 miles across New York City. The key is to actually utilize them, which feels sometimes easier said than done.
My goal is to share as many resources as I can, especially for busy, ambitious women who feel like they’re stretched too thin. Because there’s a good chance you’re trying to run your own marathon by just piling on more miles. Trust me, I’ve learned from experience—there’s a better way.
So, let’s build that foundation together. You’re not alone on this journey. You’ve got this!