Human Resources Is a Marathon: How to Stay Fired Up, Pumped Up, and Inspired

On September 11, 2002 my life forever changed. At the age of 23 I was told by my doctor, "You have cancer." After spreading to the fluid in my brain, I slipped into an unconscious state. Doctors did not think I would live. Against all odds, I recovered and had a successful bone marrow transplant. Due to brain damage I had to relearn how to walk and from that went on to run five marathons on five continents. Below are three victory strategies that helped me and you can use to stay fired up, pumped up, and inspired.

When it comes to your victory in human resources, it’s not the outside stuff that matters but the inside stuff that counts. It is easy to get discouraged. To stay fired up, pumped up, and inspired it is essential to be clear on the victory you want to achieve. Once you can see it, believe it’s possible, that you can do it. Lying in my hospital bed I visualized myself crossing the finish line of a marathon. The key is focus on the victory you are striving to achieve instead of focusing on all the challenges.

How do you run a marathon? One-step at a time. In order to fulfill the vision you are visualizing, you must take action every single day. It does not matter how small it is. The key is to do something everyday that moves you closer to your vision. This builds momentum. Think back to science class and inertia. Objects at rest tend to stay at rest, while objects in motion stay in motion. Remember it is not enough to stare up the steps, you have step up the stairs.

In order to complete a marathon, I had to have the belief it was possible. Daily I had to check the negative self-talk and the self-defeating inner dialogue. The little voice that says it is impossible. Once you have the attitude that your vision is possible, you will take the necessary action.

Human resources like a marathon is an endurance event. It is a roller coaster with ups, downs, and surprising turns. Crossing the finish line was one of the greatest victories in my life. Through Visualizing Your Victory, Taking Action, and Checking your Attitude, you will be able to cross your finish line by staying fired up, pumped up and inspired.

Matt Jones is considered the top leadership keynote motivational speaker in human resources. From three-time cancer conqueror to now, life changing inspirational speaker, audiences love Matt. Visit Matt at www.MatthewDJones.com.