Written by Jason Holroyd
What is it that you need to achieve any goal? That is the question we all ask ourselves. Well for me it really comes down to three components. First is motivation. That seemingly simple yet complex catalyst. Something that seems so strong at points and eludes us so many other times. You know that feeling of excitement and fired up enthusiasm. This may be that moment when you decide it is time for a change in your life. The little voice from deep down in your mind suddenly becomes very loud and screams I’m going to do whatever it takes! Then come the low moments when that same voice says don’t get up and do something just stay in bed. Oh those are times looking back upon that may be so pivotal in the long run yet so insignificant at the time. Thus the simple yet complex catalyst that is motivation.
Now we have motivation and we are set to achieve that goal. Nope, not even close. The second component to every goal is ability. Sure we’ve all seen those great motivational posters stating you can do anything you set your mind to. Awesome, I’m going down to Jamaica. Next I will train with Usain Bolt and win a gold medal in the 100 meter dash. Okay, I’m sure I’d get faster. Sadly though I’m lacking the athletic ability in this case to do anything more than watch Usain be at the finish when I am half way down the track. Athletic ability isn’t the only ability to hold us back though. Sometimes it is the other responsibilities in our lives. I don’t know a ton of people who have the financial ability to drop everything and focus solely on an athletic goal. Which isn’t to say we can’t achieve great things on limited time. We just have to be realistic about our ability to do certain goals.
Alright let’s say we have the motivation and the ability to do our goal. Now we still need a plan for all this ability and motivation to reach fruition. This is the point where even the best athletes in the world need help. Sometimes the plan is a schedule that keeps you on track. I spent years trying to find the perfect training schedule for distance running. Through the years I read every book I could get my hands on, talked to numerous athletes, coaches, and scoured the internet. I’ve tried so many different approaches. Some have worked with better success than others. The plan that seems to make most sense I’ve found is the one that keeps you most consistent. My personal consistency was always helped along the way by training with others. Extra accountability of meeting with people was the intrical part of the plan for me.
Bottom line, the next time you are embarking on that journey toward your next race or goal in life take a moment to think about your M.A.P.
