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By Gail Lynne Goodwin.

One of the things that I love most about Sir Richard Branson is that he’s know for saying YES to most things. In fact, his board affectionately calls him Dr. Yes. But sometimes saying “Yes” isn’t easy, as it makes us step outside our comfort zone.

About a week ago I received an invitation from my daughter to run a half-marathon late this year. I am not, nor have I ever been a runner. I doubt that I could run a mile right now if I tried to. I’ll be 55 years old this October. I broke my leg skiing last season and my knee still isn’t happy. I can give you a long list of reasons why this is not a good idea for me.

However… I know that opportunity knocks on our door daily, and most of the time, we’re not listening. Today, I am.

My initial reaction was to say “No” and to explain why I couldn’t do this. As I was listing to myself explain all of the reasons why I couldn’t do this, I caught myself and started laughing. After all, this is what I teach to others!!!

I know that every mountain, no matter how high, always starts with the first step. I know that we have infinite potential to do whatever we put our mind to. And, I also know that I’m a little bit crazy… so, I said “YES”! Even though I have no idea how to run, or if I can… I still said “YES”.

Once the decision has been made, the rest… is just details. Richard Branson would be proud of me.

Walkers' Feet

Making this commitment required me to step outside of my comfort zone- and that’s why I’m sharing it here. It’s easy to renege on this if nobody knows anything about it. It’s more difficult when thousands of people are holding me accountable.

So, I’m in the process of taking baby steps to make this a reality. In the past few days I ran/walked 3 miles twice. Baby steps. I’m tracking my progress through an awesome app for my iPhone called MapMyRun. (If you’re a walker/runner, check this out!)

Another reason I’m sharing this is to invite YOU to join me. I know what you’re thinking because I was there too, just a week ago when I was invited to do this. I know it’s a bit crazy for most of us. But THAT’S what makes this something we have to do.

I have a friend who says….”If you can’t do something, that’s why you must”. Tell him you can’t do something and he’ll explain to you why you must do that exact thing. And I get it. It makes sense.

When we step outside of our comfort zone to accomplish anything, it makes all the other possibilities hanging out in the “impossible” zone, just a little bit more possible.

So, YOU are cordially invited to join me. My first big race will be in mid September in Whitefish, Montana. Who is crazy enough to join me and get into the best shape in your life? If you can’t make it to Montana, that’s okay. Run where you are.

The important thing is to say “YES” to opportunity when it knocks, even if it seems a bit scary, and especially if it seems impossible.

I’ll keep you posted on the progress. Now, let’s go for a run!

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Gail Lynne Goodwin is the founder of InspireMeToday.com, bringing the best inspiration to the world. InspireMeToday.com provides free inspiration, each day from a new Inspirational Luminary, to a global community of folks from over 150 countries. Gail has interviewed many well-known names including Sir Richard Branson, Guy Laliberte, Seth Godin, Tony Hseih, Gary Vaynerchuk, Michael Gerber, Marci Shimoff, Jack Canfield and hundreds more. According to Mashable, Gail was one of 2009's Top 25 Most Inspirational People on Twitter.

Prior to InspireMeToday.com, Gail spent several years as manager for her recording artist daughter, Carly. As a result of the success of their co-penned song, "Baby Come Back Home", Gail accompanied her daughter to bases in the US and to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where Carly performed for our troops. Gail and Carly created the 'World's Longest Letter' of love and support and delivered the 18-mile long scroll on a month-long tour of Iraq and the Persian Gulf in 2006.

Gail is excited to present her latest course, Love in 21 Days, a step-by-step guide to finding love online. Love in 21 Days is founded on a logical process that has been tested - and proven! - by not only Gail, but also by students around the world who too have found love.

Gail is a published author and a regular writer for the Huffington Post. She offers mentoring and mastermind services to clients worldwide from her home in Whitefish, Montana. Follow Gail on Twitter or Google+.

This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. I was invited 3 years ago to run the 1/2 marathon in Nashville. I was 40 years old and never ran a day in my life. I trained by running for 3 minutes and walking for 2 minutes until I got to the point of being able to run most of the time and mixing in walking sporadically. It was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I’ve never felt better and finishing is one of the best feelings in the world. It is also great that your daughter invited you.

    1. Layne, thank you for your comment. I agree- I’m thrilled that my daughter invited me to join her- and that’s the biggest reason that I said “YES”.

      Thanks for the info on the training too. Most sites offer great info on how to get from 3 miles to a marathon…. but few places offer how to get to 3 miles.

      I look forward to sharing the finish line photos with all of you. Thanks again for your support.
      Hugs,
      Gail

  2. That’s awesome Gail!! I won’t join for the run cuz running does bad things to my back and hips, but I’ll be with you in spirit as I do my own workouts!

  3. Go Gail, Go! I’m cheering you on! You are such a great role model…and I’m just thinking; on October 3 you’ll be nice and fit and can meet me and my group in Kathmandu, the starting point of our hike to the Mt. Everest Base Camp. Clearly, you WILL want to again say, “Yes” to another life changing experience, won’t you!? 🙂

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