For over 30 years I told myself a story that I couldn’t run…and I really believed this story! My belief was challenged this June when my 10 year old niece needed me to run a 5k. My time wasn’t very impressive, but I was totally impressed with myself. I couldn’t believe the lie that I told myself for years! Today I ran my second 5k in 32 minutes and beat my goal by a minute! Also very proud of my husband and son for their times! “I’ve learned to talk to myself instead of listen to myself.” I was running last night and wanted to quit halfway through my run. You see, I was tired, had lots to do, etc… I then remembered the above quote, from Jon Gordon. I started to shift my thinking…and I stopped listening to myself and started to talk to myself. I told myself words of encouragement, discussed with myself WHY I was running in the first place. I told myself that this was an easy goal to accomplish! Oh, and I also started singing the words to Rocky! I finished my run and was amazed at my level of energy and excitement. All to often in life, we start listening to ourselves and that darn inner critic that lives in us. We hear our concerns, compliments, self doubt, fear, etc… All these negative things can lead us to unhappiness and unfulfilled goals! Our challenge for you this week is to STOP listening to your inner critic and that negative talk that is going on in your head and start talking to yourself in positive and encouraging ways! Have fun!