Tag Archives: perseverance

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Leadership Reflections From The Amway River Bank Run 2023

I participated in the Amway River Bank 25K run this past Sunday. It’s an annual event that was started in 1978. The race, a 15.5-mile stroll through downtown Grand Rapids and more, is one of scenic beauty. You run past the John Ball Park Zoo, along the river bank, and back into the city. Every part of the run can take your breath away.

Over the years, the sponsors have changed. It started as the Old Kent River Bank Run, transitioned into the Fifth Third River Bank Run, and is now the Amway River Bank Run. There’s a lot of history in the race and people are proud.

Something unique about the race is the distance. You hear about 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon but the 25k is an elusive distance. It’s one that brings in runners from all across the country. Over 10,000 people ran in this race. It’s quite the experience to run with that many people!  Read more...

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Don’t Quit! Do This Instead

Before you quit, try this...

There’s many days I feel like quitting. I don’t want to sit down at the computer and write a blog post. Or maybe I’m halfway through a run when my feet and legs begin to hurt.

The pain I’m feeling is almost too much to go on. These are the times I feel like quitting.

But I don’t.

We all want to quit. But quitting isn't the answer. This is.

Lok the Vizsla telling me to keep going

Have you ever been there? Do you ever feel like you want to quit and give up on pursuing your passions?

Don’t be afraid to say you do. I know the truth because I’m there frequently. And I’m sure you are as well.

It’s okay to want to quit. Quitting is the default thought when the going gets tough and you have to push through harder than before.

But don’t quit. Don’t give up. Keep going.  Read more...

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3 Ways Your Health (Or Lack Of) Is Hurting Your Leadership

Have you ever looked at a guy like Richard Branson and thought, “How does the guy get it all done?” 400+ companies, World Records, and billions of dollars under management in a single lifetime. Oh, and I forgot something, space exploration. The guy is on another level.

We are entrepreneurs, leaders, and mold-breakers. Although, of the mortal kind. We need every advantage we can get. So, we should probably pay attention when Titans of business and leadership talk about the things that give them their edge.

Here are 3 areas where your (lack of) exercise could be hindering your leadership.

1. Productivity

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How to Have Peace to Persevere through Pain

August 23, 2010 was any parents’ worst nightmare. This was the day my wife, Melissa, and I received the results of our daughter’s biopsy.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Barrett,” said Dr. Thompson. “Kristina has cancer.”

Kristina Barrett

It felt like all the oxygen was sucked out of the room. Our 8-year-old little girl’s future had just become completely uncertain.

By the time of her diagnosis, the rare cancer (Clear Cell Sarcoma) had already spread to her lungs. And her prognosis was listed as “dismal.”

Any time someone is faced with tremendous fears such as this, it’s difficult to control emotions. No, it’s virtually impossible. But one truth we’ve found is that feelings are controlled by our thoughts. Interesting enough is that the Bible doesn’t tell us to control our feelings. It tells us to control our thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Read more...