Earlier this week, I was on my Peloton doing a Tabata ride, and my motivating instructor called out this phrase that resonated with me “10 seconds to get stronger, or give up!” Now seeing it here on a page in black and white makes it sound a bit harsher than in the moment, but at that moment, it hit me – I can do 10 more seconds. And once I got through that 10 seconds, I found the will to push for another 10 seconds.
That really resonated – that 10 (more) seconds is something we can use to get over the hump in a lot of things:
- 10 more seconds cycling up that hill
- 10 more seconds before I “break the glass” and eat that candy bar
- 10 more seconds before I blow my top and tell <insert nemesis here> what I really think!
Sometimes, just getting myself over the next 10-second hump is enough for stability. Sometimes it’s not, but I can always try for another 10 seconds. Even if I don’t make it to stability and ‘cave in’, I’m at least 10 seconds further/safer/healthier/saner than I would have been otherwise, and can feel a sense of accomplishment. And the next time I start up that hill, see that candy bar, or feel like blowing my top, I know I can push just a little bit further to arrive at a better me.
The next time you find yourself approaching some type of hill (physical, emotional, or otherwise), do your best to give 10 more seconds to get stronger (and don’t give up).
Greg
Greg's Cycling 
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