9 Reasons Why You Should Chase an Impossible Goal
Please enjoy the following guest post by Kelly Roberts.
Running isn’t impossible, it just isn’t easy. That’s the one piece of advice I wish I would have been given the countless times I tried to run and thirty seconds in, felt like I was going to die. Here’s the thing, some people are born runners. They’re naturally athletic and take to running like a fish to water but other people, myself included, are made. It was only four years ago that I, drowning in grief and insecurities, was just desperate enough to go for my first run.
I’ve come a long way since those early months of struggle running but one thing I’ve learned along the way is that life is nothing if you’re not chasing an impossible goal. Don’t believe me? Here are nine reasons why you should chase an impossible goal.
- Running towards an impossible goal will remind you of your resilience.
Running is hard but life is even harder. When sh*t hits the fan and you can’t tell which way is up, down, forwards or backwards, just putting one foot in front of the other feels impossible. When you dream big and set that unattainable goal, you give yourself motivation to find the courage to pave your own way.
- We’re stronger than we give ourselves credit for.
We don’t really know what we’re capable of unless we prove ourselves wrong. Go as far and hard as you can, then take another step. And another. Then take two more. Your limit isn’t stagnant, it’s meant to be pushed.
- Life is more full when you attach stakes.
Why just run when you can run for your life? Or for a loved ones? Or for someone who doesn’t know you but could use your support? Set an impossible goal and then remind yourself what’s really at stake.
- Because failure isn’t just an option, it’s a reality.
Anyone who says that failure isn’t an option doesn’t know how devastating it feels to actually quit. It’s never about how badly you want something, it’s about how hard you’re willing to work for it.
- You owe it to yourself to experience your personal best.
Sometimes we set impossible goals and fall short. But it’s in those moments that you realize that giving it your all, regardless of the outcome, isn’t a failure. The only way you’ll truly fail is if you fail to try.
- Because running can be boring.
Some people can run and run and run and never second guess what they’re doing , who they’re running from, or why they do it. I’m not one of them and if you aren’t either, I suggest you let your goals fuel your desire to put your strongest foot forward.
- Discover what strength really means to you.
In a world where the perfect body type is defined and thrown in your face every single day, chasing an impossible goal is a surefire way to look in the mirror and feel proud of what you see. Strength doesn’t look a certain way, it feels a certain way and when you work hard, you embrace your flaws. You stop focusing on your perceived flaws and instead feel empowered by your own strength.
- Why not?
Rarely do we give ourselves the time or opportunities to put ourselves first. Sometimes, we owe it to ourselves to be selfish. Why not? What do you really have to lose?
Ask yourself what impossible means to you. Maybe it’s running your first half marathon or maybe it’s qualifying for Boston. Then ask yourself why not? Maybe you don’t finish. Maybe you don’t cross the finish line in the impossible time goal you set out to achieve but I guarantee that you’ll walk away proud that you had the courage to try. Sometimes we learn the most about ourselves from our doubts and insecurities. Lean into them and give them a voice. Then prove them wrong. Don’t be afraid to get ugly.
Until next time, #RunSelfieRepeat.
