You've got to be in it to win it - To try or not to try?

    The title of today's blog post comes to mind as I am trying to figure out who is going to drive me to go buy Powerball Tickets before Wednesday night... the NY Lotto Powerball Jackpot is now 350 million dollars! However, the English proverb, "You've got to be in it to win it" has a much more significant meaning than just entering a lotto drawing. It's about truly LIVING and literally means, "In order to win, or succeed at something, one must first compete or try."

      This is one of my favorite quotes of all time, and I think it should be painted on the walls of every elementary and middle school, and on all of our smartphones.  It delivers a powerful message that should be taught to children at a very young age, and remembered throughout life as we pursue our personal goals and dreams.  Everyone wants to win and succeed... that's a given.  What follows creates a divide between successful people and those who sulk.  The difference is in how we view the competition... the trying.  Some people love to compete, and get joy from the experience of trying, but for most this doesn't come naturally.  More often than not, we briefly think about winning/succeeding, and then go on to focus on a list of hurdles that stand in the way before ultimately deciding it's not worth even trying.  Here is the big question... do those hurdles actually exist, or am I creating them in my own head? My guess would be the later. So, next time you're faced with the question of... "to try or not to try" make sure you remind yourself to stay positive and avoid dwelling on your own negative creations. Remind yourself to focus on the gratification that would come with winning, succeeding, and knowing that you achieved because you believed. Whatever it is... TRY IT this time.

     After two painful weeks on the couch I've finally been able to wean off the pain killers, and even enjoyed a glass of wine yesterday to celebrate Mother's Day. Today I saw Dr. Drakos for my 2 week post-op appointment, and I'm very happy to say that I got a great report.  The internal surgical sutures sewn into the achilles appear to be doing their job, and as the external incision is healing well.  Although I knew I'd experience atrophy from being immobile I was shocked to see how much had occurred in just two weeks time.  The bad news is that my calf looks like a wrinkled bag of cottage cheese.  The good news is that it proves to us that change happens fast.  So! ... with Memorial Day weekend still two weeks away there is plenty of time to make some progress in your fitness regime so you can look healthier and be happier all summer!  Don't let your own excuses or hurdles stop you from even trying.  Also my withered calf reminds you... don't skip leg day at the gym  : )