When I first thought about running, I was my own biggest roadblock. The idea of putting on running shoes, stepping outside, and calling myself a runner seemed absurd. I wasn’t fast, I wasn’t experienced, and I had a laundry list of excuses ready: too tired, too busy, too out of shape. But deep down, I knew the truth—I was holding myself back, stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and fear of failing before I even started.

Have you ever held yourself back from starting something because it seemed too hard or you thought you weren’t ready?

Those early days were a battle of excuses. Every reason not to run felt valid. But, as Mo Gawdat says, “Happiness is equal to or greater than the events of your life, minus your expectations of how life should be.” My frustration wasn’t really about running; it was about the impossible expectations I had placed on myself. That realization shifted something in me. Instead of focusing on how far I was from the finish line, I chose to focus on the only thing I could control—showing up.

What expectations are holding you back right now? What if you could let go of them and just take the first step?

My first run wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was a start. And with that step, I realized the only thing standing in my way was my mindset. I took it slow, with no expectations beyond the act of starting. David Goggins’ words echoed in my mind: “You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.” Running became my way of discovering what I was capable of, one step at a time.

What potential are you leaving untapped in your own life?

Gawdat’s reflections helped me reframe running. It wasn’t a chore; it was an opportunity. Each step forward, no matter how small, was progress. Consistency became my mantra—show up even when it’s hard, put in the work even when the reward feels distant. Slowly, the impossible started to feel within reach.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were setbacks, injuries, days of doubt, and moments of complete exhaustion. I made mistakes, learned from them, and came back stronger. I discovered the importance of strength training, pacing, and proper recovery. But the biggest lesson was learning to silence the voice of self-doubt that had held me back for so long. With every milestone—first 10K, first half marathon, first 20K—I realized those limits I thought were real were nothing but illusions I had built for myself.

What limits have you placed on yourself? Could they be less real than they feel?

Looking back, I see how powerful consistency and a shift in mindset were in helping me achieve my goals. By the time marathon day arrived, I was transformed. I had started from doubting I could run at all and finished by achieving what once seemed impossible.

Tips for Staying Consistent:

• Know Your “Why”: Anchor yourself in the reason your goal matters to you.
• Start Small: Take manageable steps to build confidence.
• Stick to a Routine: Build consistency by running at the same time or place daily.
• Track Progress: Use tools like journals or apps to log achievements.
• Plan for Setbacks: Miss a day? Bounce back quickly.
• Celebrate Wins: Even small victories deserve recognition.
• Adopt the Right Identity: Think of yourself as someone who does this habit.
• Be Kind to Yourself: Progress isn’t linear; focus on the long term.
• Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a supportive friend or group.

If I could do it all again, I’d start strength training earlier, fuel smarter, and balance training with recovery better. But I wouldn’t change the journey itself. Each step taught me something invaluable about resilience and growth.

To anyone standing at their starting line, unsure if they can do it—you can. The road will challenge you, but it will also transform you. Change your mindset, commit to consistency, and embrace the process. What feels impossible today will one day become your triumph.

What’s the one step you can take today to move closer to your goal? If I could go from doubting myself to crossing the marathon finish line, what else is possible? Let’s find out together.