This Word Can Change Your Life

Today I was listening to a podcast - Tim Ferriss (one of my most favorite authors and pod casters, and I dare say I would definitely love him in person) was interviewing Phil Keoghan, host of the Amazing Race. At first I was like...meh...not too exciting, but I knew if Tim had that guy on the show - well, he must be something. Because Tim only has people who are influencers - people who can change the way we think and act for the better.
And Phil is something. Damn. Go listen right now.
I haven't quite finished the episode, but one of my take-aways is in regard to optimism.
Optimism. Do you have it?
op·ti·mism
ˈäptəˌmizəm/ noun

1. 1. hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.

Phil talks about how when raising his daughter, one rule was that one could never say, "I can't." One could re-frame it to something else like, "I might be challenged by..." but saying flat out "I can't" was a no-no.
He then goes on to say that his motto is, "Don't think about what you don't have and what you can't do. Think about what you DO have and what you CAN do." This is true optimism in my opinion. When faced with adversity, you problem solve and fight your way out instead of giving in to the negativity.
Needless to say, I was applying this to running in my mind the whole time. MIND and mentality and attitude are everything. When running the Paris Marathon, I simply gave up. That giving up was 100% my mind and not my body. Mind has power. And the focus on what we can do and what we have is everything.
So, as I head into a half marathon in Utah this weekend (Utah Valley Half, anyone?), I'll be remembering to stay optimistic. To train my mind to have confidence and hope for a successful outcome.
Because "can't" is not a word I want in my vocabulary.

Running the Bolder Boulder 10K last week. Shirt from Walmart.

Are you a glass half full or half empty person?
SUAR