Hit the wall? Try refocusing on your goal

By Mayo Clinic staff

Original Article:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-blog/MY01312
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  • Stress blog

  • May 13, 2010

    Hit the wall? Try refocusing on your goal

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

9 comments posted

Some of our most important lessons are learned over cups of coffee at the kitchen table rather than in boardrooms or even classrooms.

Need more help?

If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
  • Call your physician, health provider or clergy
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    www.nami.org
    1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Let me explain. One of my colleagues stopped by several nights ago to tell us about running his first marathon. He'd trained diligently and felt psychologically and physically ready to run 26.2 miles. At the halfway mark, he said he felt strong. But he was exhausted as he approached mile 25, at which point he was passed by a 75-year-old gentleman. My colleague's spirit was broken. He walked the last mile and it took him 15 minutes to cover the distance.

So what's the lesson for us? We can't let setbacks jeopardize our focus — because when we're distracted we lose the energy to achieve our goals.

Of course, this applies to running but also to the marathon called life. Are there other lessons that we can learn from my colleague's experience?

9 comments posted

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MY01312 May 13, 2010

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