Counting the Cost

Every decision in life that we make carries a price tag. If I choose to do nothing it has a price tag. If I choose not to exercise my body seizes up. If I choose not to eat right heart disease, diabetes, intestinal problems come knocking.

Acknowledging my dream then requires me to count the cost. What will this take in time, energy, money, relationships?

When I decided to acknowledge my dream of competing in a triathlon event I had to recognise I needed a road bike, all the right gear, good running shoes, swimmers, goggles and a pool membership.

The next cost was disciplining my body and learning how to manage pain, fatigue; how to strengthen myself so as to endure.

I was troubled by a tight muscle in my left thigh and learned through trial and error I was riding wrong. I had a riding buddy who did not work the gears but stood up on her bike and pushed through. I had to learn to work my gears and the pain went away.

I had to learn how to stretch out sufficiently so that my legs were not dead the next day. I had to learn to eat right and exercise right and not overdo things. This was probably my greatest challenge.

I had to learn how to combine my exercise routine into a busy life so that neither were neglected.

Most of all I had to learn to endure and discipline myself to keep going.

Now I must say that I do not believe I am an athlete yet but I am working towards having the mindset of an athlete. An athlete is focused and has a mindset that does not think it can't but know it can and knows how it can, and keeps going. As I watch Cadell Evans and his grit and determination and ability to keep going and come back from incidents that would take him out, I say 'now there is a true athlete.'

To become all I want to be I must keep my eye on the finish line and not look around, nor be distracted by all those who would pull me away from my goal. There are plenty of folk who have not found their purpose yet.

If we sat down and talked to Cadell he would tell us the cost to himself to fulfill his dream. The dream of winning the Tour de France. His dream is great and doubtless the cost huge. What is your dream?

When counting the cost you need to talk to a finance coach, that's me! Give me a call.