Read this article:
Ironman Races to Fight Cancer
Determination is something that we have all had at one point in our lives or another. Whether it be to complete an Ironman Triathlon or finish our tax returns before April 15th, with the proper motivation we become determined. So I think we can all admire Staff Sergeant Treska's resolve, but what can we learn from him and his story that can be applied to our own lives, to our own pursuits?
First Treska had desire, to survive cancer and become an Ironman. For most of us our desires are less grandiose, maybe you want to drop 10 pounds, be able to run around the block without passing out, or swim 500 meters. Whatever your desire is, define it. For Treska it was two definitions really, Ironman and Survivor.
Next: Ownership. Own that desire, make it your own. Treska says, "If I'm going to die, I'm going to do it my way and I'm going to go out fighting." It's his way, his desire, how he wants it to be. Put your desires into your own terms, in other words, make it about YOU and what YOU are doing "I am losing these 10 pounds," "I am running 3 steps today," "I am getting into that pool this morning."
Now, we've learned to define our desire/goal and to make it our own from Treska's story. The article also says the next thing he did was "fight." What was Treska "fighting" against? Sure he was fighting cancer and the "odds," but really he was fighting himself. As humans we are often met with natural challenges that impede us from moving towards a desire/goal. We have to "fight" our natural tendencies of complacency, fear, and doubt. So our third lesson from this story is FIGHT for what it is you want. If it's change, FIGHT to change it! If this desire belongs to you, FIGHT for it!
Treska also felt accountable to all the people who had sent him letters and emails letting him know how he had inspired them. For us the lesson is to let others know what our desire is and ask them to keep us accountable. The more we care about the person's opinion of us, the less likely we are to want to let them down and the more likely we are to push through the tough periods of change.
Tied into accountability is support. Treska had support from his family. This also helps us through the tougher periods. So our last lesson from the story of Clay Treska, Jr. is to seek support from family, friends, or whoever in reaching for whatever it is you desire in your life.
So to wrap up the lessons learned from Treska:
- Desire It
- Own It
- Fight For It
- Be Accountable For It
- Seek Support For It
