Reasons OR Results
Reasons OR Results
By Cheyenne Glade Wilson
April 12, 2019
I came across something online the other day that really resonated with me. In fact, it hit me to the core, which is why I felt compelled to share this with all of you.
Here is what I read:
“This is Jim Thorpe. Look closely at the photo, you can see that he's wearing different socks and shoes. This wasn't a fashion statement. It was the 1912 Olympics, and Jim, an American Indian from Oklahoma represented the U.S. in track and field. On the morning of his competitions, his shoes were stolen. Luckily, Jim ended up finding two shoes in a garbage can. That's the pair that he's wearing in the photo. But one of the shoes was too big, so he had to wear an extra sock. Wearing these shoes, Jim won two gold medals that day. This is a perfect reminder that you don't have to
resign to the excuses that have held you back. So what if life hasn't been fair? What are you going to do about it today? Whatever you woke up with this morning; stolen shoes, ill health, failed relationships, failed business, don't let it stop you from running your race. You can experience more in life if you'll get over the excuses and get on with living. You can have reasons or you can have results...but you can't have both.” ~Author Unknown
Now that you’ve finished reading what this unknown author so profoundly wrote go back and read that last sentence again. WOW! There are always going to be “reasons” why you think you won’t be able to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Sometimes those “reasons” are created by us and sometimes they aren’t. Sometimes those “reasons” are beyond our control.
But, here’s the deal…you can allow the “reasons” in your life to determine your path in life OR you can go on in spite of them to create “results” that will help you rise above. You will always have “reasons”, but you won’t get “results” if you allow those “reasons” to stand in the way.
I have an immense amount of respect for Jim Thorpe and this story. I’ve read many other stories of perseverance over the years also. Some of these stories have involved folks in rodeo, agriculture, business, and even political asylum. I’m touched by them all. I believe these stories touch me so deeply because these people chose to not have excuses in their lives. I believe they realized the importance of the life they were gifted, and they weren’t going to go around giving the power away by admitting defeat. They rose above it…no matter what it was, and they figured out a way to come out on top.
Nobody remembers the person who gave up. Have you ever heard that before? I have…and I recognize the truth in it. Books, stories, movies, and even songs don’t focus on those who didn’t hang tough and persevere. The human spirit is an amazing thing. We weren’t made to be happy being a quitter. We were made to become the very best version of ourselves no matter the obstacles. I truly believe this with every fiber of my being, and I hope you do too! If you are battling with something right now, please know that this is just one of those “reasons” that happens from time to time. Stay the course, figure out a way around whatever it is, and hold firm. You’ve got this! When the going gets tough…the tough get going. Not too long in the distant future you are going to look back on this trial as your turning point. We all have them. Draw a line in the sand and make a decision. It’s truly up to you to determine if you will be the type of person to have “reasons” or to have “results”. I know which kind of person I am. What
kind are you?