Dress for Success
Even the most stubborn and virulent medical conditions face severe challenges with twenty-first century medical practices. There is a treatment or strategy to manage just about any chronic disease and prolong and improve our quality of life.
Inspired medical researchers are soundly supported by highly trained professionals, dedicated to keeping us active and productive. These amazing people set us up to live a long and happy life with a chronic condition or disability.
It’s now up to us to define our goals and ambitions and work our plan to achieve these.
Even the healthiest and fittest athlete must get themself to the track, warm up and train hard under the scrutiny of their coach. They must follow a strict diet and exercise program and maintain a winning mindset, just to survive training. Matchday is next level because once they cross the white line they are on their own. It’s time to test the formula, “90 percent preparation, 10 percent perspiration.” With the sacrifices made and hard work done it all comes down to self-belief.
There might only be one victor, but they can only be victorious with worthy competition; competitors winning their own battles over adversity, illness, injury and self-doubt. Countless background reports of Olympians are breath-taking. Broken backs, brain injuries and life-threatening illnesses that would destroy amortal human are common among the highest achievers.
So,how do we mortals climb a podium, clutch a trophy or bow to receive a medal? Whatif the presentation ceremony is only in our head?
Whetherthe award is acknowledged internally or shared with an adoring global audience,acceptance is honourable when the effort is proportional to the challenge.
Asa cyclist needs to overcome inertia to begin a race during which they increase momentum until their individual maximum speed is reached, to thrive with a chronic condition, getting going can be the hardest part. Being able to manage our symptoms is not the race start, it’s just like having the bicycle, helmet, Lycra and riding shoes. We can’t compete until we have the wheels bolted in, our uniform squeezed into, and we’re seated on the machine.
Getting out of bed, taking our drugs and gently stretching our stiff bodies won’t get us where we want to be until we follow up by putting on our proverbial “running shoes”. A job interview may require a suit and polished shoes, overalls and steel-capped boots if we are off to work in a trade setting, or scrubs for a surgical shift.
Dressing for the part will get us out the door and on our way to success. Like a professional athlete, once we cross the threshold, we’re on our own. We’ve overcome inertia, now for a PB.
Mark Twain is attributed with the quote, “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.”