Did you see the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago? It was one of the most amazing races I’ve ever seen, as 50-1 underdog Mine That Bird pulled off the second-biggest upset in the event’s 135-year history, as the announcer put it, “an impossible result.” “Just consider some of their stats:
o Originally purchased for $9,500
o It was the second longest winning shot in Derby history (50-1)
o Had a 1-32 record in starts at his home track in New Mexico
o He was transported in a horse van pulled by a pickup truck driven by his owner (with a broken right foot) 1,466 miles from New Mexico to Kentucky while all his competitors rode in luxurious horse trailers and their owners in private jets.
For those who watched this year’s Derby, with over 150,000 in attendance and 14 million anticipated viewers, Mine That Bird was last out. He was last in the quarter mile. He was last at the half mile. He was last over the three-quarter mile. And then it happened: Mine that Bird EXPLODED past 18 horsepower in 21 seconds to accomplish one of the most incredible sporting feats of all time. He crossed the finish line to deliver an impressive upset, 6 3/4 lengths ahead of his next competitor. Like millions of people, I was shocked at the impossibility of what I had seen.
The Kentucky Derby is a rite of spring. Like Mother’s Day and graduation ceremonies, it is a requirement in this season of new births and new beginnings. Spring is a time to turn the page and start a new chapter. What is the next chapter in the story of your life? What does the future hold for you? Like the owners of Mine That Bird, are you praying for a remote win?
This article is dedicated to each of you who feels helpless some of the time or all of the time, at work, in wellness, in love, or in life. My message to you is to turn the page, start a new chapter, roll the dice and BE THE HARDEST POSSIBILITY YOU ARE PRAYING FOR.
May 7th marked the start of our Biggest Winner Contest. Twenty-seven 5-person teams have just “left the gates” in a six-week health, fitness and weight loss challenge. As participants streamed through our doors to register and weigh in, I met many people hungry for a fresh start and hoping for a win. Maybe this describes you…
Accept the challenge. People across the country will be reading this article, and those of you outside of San Diego will not be able to enter our Biggest Winner Contest. Don’t let this stop you! Be a virtual participant and start working towards YOUR PERSONAL VICTORY. For our official contestants, prize money can be motivating, but in this health and fitness contest, everyone wins. Read on for my tip sheet with ideas to help you get started and keep you on your way to being the BIGGEST WINNER!
o Set your goals high. Have you set lofty goals for your life? There are countless small steps in a long journey and if your dream is not inspiring, how will you be motivated to pursue it? I have had many clients over the years who have participated in marathons, half marathons, triathlon events, and the like. For some, the goal of the first race is simply to finish. It makes sense for beginners: finishing any of these events is quite an accomplishment. But for experienced triathletes and runners, “finishing” is downright boring. They run to achieve their time goal; they run to WIN! In the same way, the elite athletes I work with don’t dream of just showing up at a game. They dream of victory and then work towards it. What is your dream for the future? A healthy, fit and successful you?
o Surround yourself with positive feedback. Surround yourself with positive people who will support you, encourage you, and give you the feedback you need to get you through the inevitable bumps in the road. Join a support group or Mastermind; sign up for a local community event that organizes participants into teams. Our Biggest Winner contest was designed to provide motivation, accountability, and positive feedback to contestants. However you do it, look for positive people in your life, share your goals, and be open to the support of others.
o Overcome fear. Mine that Bird passed 18 horses in the last quarter of the race. He also did most of the passing over the inside rail, where many riders fear being knocked off his horse. Jockey Calvin Borel stated, “I was thrown overboard… If you’re scared, you’re in the wrong game.” He went for it and the rest is history. How does fear paralyze you in your life? How is it holding you back? Are you letting fear rule you? Overcome your fears with the courage of your convictions!
or “Stay hungry.” Champions want it more. It’s that easy. I have to believe that Mine that Bird just wanted to win that race more than the others. He was prepared, he was conditioned, he had a good “team” around him, he was not afraid and he wanted to win MORE. As he took off on the last leg, a chill ran through all who watched. That horse was “hungry” to win. Champions of all kinds have “it”: the hunger, the desire, the passion, the need to be the best. What are you “hungry” for?
o Do something crazy to “shock your world.” What can you do to shock your world, or at least shake it up? I like the metaphor of turning the page and starting a NEW chapter. The keyword is NEW – not the same old, but the new and changed. Start small and build on that. Try a Pilates or yoga class for strength building and cardio, take a healthy cooking class or experiment with vegetarian dinners one night a week, take your spouse or a friend out for an evening walk, take a family day and continue. an exit (Yes, that can really surprise you!). Stand up and say, “I’ll try.”
Well, you have “walked out the door” and you were not born yesterday, you see the obstacles in your way. We both know the journey will be difficult, but I want her story to be exactly the same as Mine That Bird’s. Victory is not easy. Regardless of your current obstacles, challenges, or special needs, you need to stay focused on your goals. It is your dream and YOU are the one who pursues it. I will continue to encourage him to make health and fitness an important part of his journey, as it will ultimately help him get to where he wants to go. I encourage you to stay “hungry” and never let fear rule your life. I’ll be on your “team” and nurture your spirit with messages of inspiration and hope. But, when all is said and done, YOU ARE THE ONE YOU SHOULD BE THE IMPOSSIBILITY YOU ARE PRAYING FOR.
There is a champion in you, I bet on it! peace and love,
Todd