The importance of reaching this goal became a driving realization. Because you see, if I can wake up at 6 AM and run everyday, it means I have conquered my biggest challenges–that of doing what I don’t feel like, doing it on a consistent basis, and making sure I start the day with success.

Nothing can change the fact that I have begun my day having accomplished something important and meaningful, after I have done it.  If I can run everyday at 6 am, I can do anything. Everything that stopped me from reaching this goal is what stops me from succeeding in all areas my life.  Because ultimately, success is a culmination of good habits.

So you see, the first thing I did was to build as much MEANING into it as possible. It became important; so important that I had to plan the day before, to do it tomorrow.

The second thing I did was, I took away all the little excuses. I set my alarm clock at 6 AM. I had my sports bra, clean underwear, running pants, shirt, sweater, shoes, ipod, earphones all ready in the bathroom. I set my inhaler on top of this pile. Tomorrow, all I had to do was get up and go to the bathroom like I always do… and there would be my running gear all ready.

Third, I asked a friend who looked up to me, to run with me and be out by a certain time to meet up, EVERYDAY. I knew that I cared about his opinion of me… so I would be mortified to stand him up, and I would be more likely to beat him to the field. (It’s funny how you care about the opinions of those who think well of you!)

He agreed, as it was good for his health. (Stating the obvious here–since he thought so well of me, there’s no chance he would stand me up! So, this is an awesome accountability partner relationship both ways.)

Fourth, I wrote up all the exciting and interesting things I can think of about running, in case I needed to sell myself on it…

“Do you want to feel… vigorous, refreshed, excited about life, athletic, strong and alive?

Do you want to be proud of yourself?

Want to feel that tingle in your muscles, melting away all your tension and worries?

Want to feel energized to do anything?

Want to look hot in your tight clothes?

Want to run a marathon, have a better stamina, and to feel great?

Want some fresh air?

Want to get rid of your acne?

Want to get rid of the asthma and the wheezing?

Want to have time alone to meditate about whatever I want?

Want to feel like a kid again, and run like the wind?

Want to feel what freedom is?

Want to take action right now to change your life forever???

RUN!”

Fifth, I RAN!  And I prepared everything for tomorrow.  

You know?  If I can do it today, tomorrow will be even easier…  until 21 days, which is how long it takes to establish a new habit.

Sixth, I wrote up a note to myself that I will read if ever I feel like giving up.  (Quitting is different from taking a break once a week.)

“Misheel, I am surprised you are reading this right now.  If you are injured, then that’s ok.  But I know you’re not sick because running everyday has built your immune system up.  You feel happier, healthier, more alive than you did before.  

There is nothing that means more to you than to reach your highest potential, to give the best of yourself for the people you love; to have the energy and reserves, the self-control and discipline to provide this.  Running everyday is your time to recharge, to add this sense of emotional and physical balance to your life.  It is your time to consider all that you are grateful for, to see the mountains, to smell fresh air, to smile as you breathe hard in sweat.  It is your time to visualize all that you want to achieve.

Your decisions today on the little things add up to an astounding and resounding wheels of destiny and fate.  Things will take shape that even you with your great imagination cannot know.  The most amazing things happen, because the most incredible views are just beyond the point where you feel like quitting.  I don’t know why that is.  But it’s true.  Give it one more day.  Don’t take a vacation from your future.”

Seventh, I realize that I must play a psychological trick on myself.  Since I normally hate routine, I must convince myself that today’s run is the most important of all other runs…  For example, the first time is the hardest.  The second time establishes that I can do it again.  The third time is like just getting into the habit.  Fourth is getting over your doubts and excuses–because by now you have run in at least 2 different weathers.  Fifth is a must because it proves to my running mate that I’m here for the long haul.  Sixth is the most important ever because it wraps up your week and you get the next day off.  Nothing is more important than finishing strong!  See?

Now I can adopt this method for another new habit!