I'll be the first to admit: I hate running. Like, unless there's free pizza at the finish line, why would I voluntarily put myself through that? But then a friend of mine—who loves running (don’t ask me why)—shared a quote during our coaching session: "Run the mile you're in." And, as much as I'd rather be watching from the sidelines, this stuck with me.
Now, with the recent Summer Olympics fresh in my mind, I couldn’t help but think about the athletes who truly live out this mantra. Whether it’s a sprinter focused on a single lap or a marathon runner with 26.2 miles ahead of them, they know the key is to stay in the moment. They don’t let their minds wander to the medal podium before the race has even begun—they just run the mile they're in. And that’s something we can all learn from, even if our “mile” looks more like an overwhelming project or life challenge than a gold-medal pursuit.
For me, this lesson has been especially relevant as I’ve intentionally taken a lower-paying job that comes with less stress—one I truly love. But even though this choice has brought a lot of happiness, I can't deny that I sometimes worry about the future. As I get older, saving for retirement has become more pressing, and the lower salary adds a layer of stress to an otherwise fulfilling career. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about the miles I need to cover financially, but I'm learning to focus on what I can do today.
Whether you're facing a daunting task at work, navigating a tricky life decision, or just trying to survive another Monday, it’s easy to get bogged down thinking about the miles ahead. But here's the trick: break it down into manageable pieces—like running just one mile at a time—and suddenly it feels a lot more achievable.
So, even though I’ll never understand why people willingly sign up for marathons, I do get the value in taking things one step at a time. Life might feel like a long-distance race sometimes, with the right mindset, you just might find yourself crossing that finish line sooner than you think—preferably with pizza waiting.
Tips for Living in the Present & Practicing Gratitude:
Start a Gratitude List: Each day, jot down one think you're grateful for. This small habit shifts your mindset toward appreciating what you have, right here, right now.
Take Mindful Breaks: Set aside time during the day to pause, breathe deeply, and simply notice your surroundings. Whether it’s a quick walk outside or a few minutes of meditation, it helps bring you back to the present.
Limit Future Worries: Instead of focusing on what might happen, ask yourself, "What can I control right now?" This helps reduce anxiety and keeps you focused on the current mile you're running.
Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait for big achievements to pat yourself on the back. Every step forward—no matter how small—is progress and worth celebrating.
Savor the Little Moments: Whether it’s your morning coffee, a quiet evening, or a good conversation, take time to enjoy the small joys of everyday life. The more you notice, the richer your life feels.
These small practices can help you stay grounded, making it easier to “run the mile you're in” with a sense of calm and gratitude—even when the road ahead feels uncertain.
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