It always resonated with me when I hear people talk about attracting what we want into our lives by becoming the person we intend to be.

Another words, in going after something that’s important to us – a goal, a certain level of accomplishment, etc. – it is more about the person we become in that process that ultimately brings the intention into fruition.

I know that’s a subtle difference in the way we view how we move forward, but I thought it was enough to mention, as for me, it makes a difference.

One example would be: If I want complete a marathon under a certain time, I’m going to have to become a person who trains consistently, eats well and passes on the junk food in order to have the energy to tackle the daily requirements, as well as someone who gets enough sleep at night and take the time stretch, roll-out and hydrate my body to keep it in top condition. I’m also going to have to learn discipline over time. That person looks very different from the one who decided to run a marathon for the first time.

I believe this is why we do these things. It’s not because we want to share with our family and friends our time on a digital display when we crossed the finish line, or a trophy, but the person we became in the process. Who, is indeed different than the one before.

We become someone who we may not have experienced before at a time when we didn’t think we could do it.

That’s exhilarating. That’s powerful.

Just as Donovan’s song melodically states, why should we not all be setting our sights for the heavens.

There’s no reward for remaining small. We’re not taking away from anyone else’s hopes and dreams. There’s plenty to go around. Maybe, just maybe, being the best version of ourselves is exactly why we’re here on this earth.

To inspire others who come into our path to believe, they indeed can do the same because you have awoken the slumbering giant of inspiration within them.

And because of it, they risk what they cannot put a finger on, but only hope to be true deep within their hearts.

And so they risk. They risk it all.

They try for the sun.

We can always benefit from being reminded that we live in the seasons/cycles of our lives.

Which means there’s a time to plow, there’s a time to plant, a time to fertilize, a time to remain patient and there’s a time to harvest.

Chances are we will be in a place (high/low – good/bad) that someone else on this earth has been in since the beginning of time. There’s no need to panic. The sun will indeed rise again tomorrow (barring any sort of catastrophic event).

Let’s not fret. Winter will come and winter will go. We shall stand strong.

And we’ll be ready when springtime is upon us.

As Seth Godin says, when we take responsibility for our actions and don’t make excuses, we have to rise to the occasion and face the consequences – however painful they may be – head on.

It’s called, being on the hook. And most people don’t like it.

Why? Because they’re putting their neck on the line and taking responsibility for their actions. And if something goes awry, they’re accountable to make things right.

There seems to be less and less of these people in the world. But, these are exactly the kind I want to be around.

Are you one of them?

My brother-in-law said something to me this weekend that I’ve heard before, but landed a bit different for me this time.

We were trying to get a plumbing line to drain with the tools we had at our disposal. When we were all finished – and a bit defeated because we couldn’t get the clog out of the line he said, “We might not have gotten 100% of the result we wanted, but we gave 100% effort.”

I thought about it before agreeing with him.

After all, isn’t that what we all want. I know I do.