"He knows, we all know - its going to be better, because its going to be better"
Excerpt from "Lance Armstrong's War" by Daniel Coyle
Ever since the above title book came out, I made a point to read it, at a minimum, twice a season. And its not because I have an infatuation with Lance, but because I admire his will, determination and focus. And his ability to impose his will on those around him to believe in him and more importantly, in themselves. If he believes something is going to work, even in the face of insurmountable odds, he makes it work.
The last few weeks, I've watched as people in my life have done the same. I've watched as they have taken the lessons of the past, no matter how bittersweet, and turned them into a positive. The first sighting was of 3 amazing athletes and truly all-around great guys - pro triathletes, Rich Swor, Greg Reznich, and top amatuer, Jason Smith. These guys were all on a team I created a couple years ago, and to be honest, it didn't work. I took the blame for a lot of that, and deservedly so. But these three have moved on, and are back in top form, and sharing their stories with the world at www.whywetri.net. They took away one very big positive from being on the team - the importance of giving back. In thier stories, videos, etc, you get to see first-hand the way we as athletes live. We aren't playing in the "Big Three" sports, so we live substantially humbler existences, but we are just as hungry as any athlete out there. And in these guys - you believe that the sport is more than just swim, bike and run. You realize they have much to share and they remain so humble and grounded, while putting in massive hours of training and racing like animals at the top of the sport. They never stopped believing in themselves, and thier will has others believing in them too.
Then there is my coach, Jenny Garrison, who, while quietly training to have an amazing season, just became a Lululemon Ambassador. Why? B/c she never stopped believing that as an athlete, a mom, a wife, and an amazing friend, she had much to offer the sport and others looking to improve thier health, and thier lives. I was there on a cold and snowy morning a couple days ago as she entered the YMCA for her morning run, only to be surprised by flowers and the excitement of Lululemon employees and managment welcoming her to the team. I know there is no one more deserving, and I think I was smiling more than she was. Jen understands that others see her as a beacon of hope and empowerment, and her reward for that - being put in a position to share with others her knowledge. She has others, complete strangers, seeing it so strongly in her, they asked her to be an Ambassador. And I know, its only the beginning.
And Rick Lapinski, a good friend, and an amazing athlete, who in the face of adversity, continues to grow as an athlete, but more importantly, as a person. He has been coming in to Lululemon Oakbrook, to assist with our "Lifestyle Challenge" and 5K. He lends a smile and kind words, and most important, genuine care for those around him. Even strangers, he greets with warmth, and encouragement. Why? B/c through everything, he hasn't stopped believing in himself. And it creates that sense of belief in the rest of us. For Rick, the best is yet to come.
Its the power of that statement that in some form, is in all of us. Everytime you wake up, and pull yourself up, even when you don't want to, you do it out of the belief that "things are going to get better, because they are going to get better." When I started reading the book again this year, something was different - I was in a better place mentally, and spiritually, and those words hit home even harder. Because everyday, I am surrounded with people who are positive, who are constantly moving forward, but in a balanced and honest way.
Most of you know I'm not a "touchy-feely" guy, but I've realized too, that things happen for a reason, and more importantly people come in your life for a reason. Everyone I mentioned, they came into my life for a reason and at the time they did for a reason. And as I prepare for what I hope is my best season ever, I have people like Jac, Chris, Suzanne, Cora, Stephanie, Sarah, Marcy, Michelle, Kathy, Katie, Courtney, Colleen, Anna, and another very special person, all who are undeniably believers in me, as I am in them. And we all get it - things will be better b/c we are all working for them to be so.
This realization runs with the one I made about my grandfather - its up to you to not just say those words to yourself, but to believe them. You can say that phrase over and over, but it means nothing, unless you act on it. Yeah, we all get knocked down. Yeah life has setbacks. But when you give up on you, others will follow suit. B/c that's the vibe you are putting out there. You have to be your own change. Even if it seems impossible, its only so if you believe it to be. Do I think that I can be one of the top 3 duathletes in the US? Yes. But for the first time I'm approaching everything that way. The key is, no matter how bad things seem, you will survive. You will overcome. Don't just say it, do it. Be ridiculously optomistic. And when someone truly amazing waks into your life, don't shrug it off. Embrace the gift. They came in for a reason.
Like I always say - I don't know much, but when I read that phrase now, I know, Things will be better, b/c they will be better. I believe it and live it. The question is - do you?
Stay strong,
Guy
