A while ago, I came across a quote by Fr. Walter Elliott (1842–1928) that resonated with me. Since I've been writing about mental toughness more than a bit lately, I think it is apropos to share here:

A simple, yet profound statement, and one that captures the essence of mental toughness. Another reminder that success is rarely achieved in a single monumental effort.

Rather, success arrives after accomplishing many smaller, consistent actions—each requiring focus, energy, and determination—which lead to more meaningful outcomes.

Think about "peace of mind" when it comes to success. It's not what you have, but how you feel about what you have.

Oftentimes, however, before folks see the light of success at the end of the tunnel, they're often easily overwhelmed by the enormity of their long-term goals.

The truth: Whether you’re pursuing personal milestones, professional achievements, or organizational success, the weight of "what lies ahead" is often daunting.

However, breaking your objectives into manageable "short races" will make your journey achievable. Consider each step forward as its own victory—a moment to celebrate progress and renew your motivation for what comes next.

Recognize and embrace the value of incremental progress. By focusing on the smaller races within the larger marathon, you can not only build momentum but also ensure that you're able continue to grow, learn, and adapt along the way.

Celebrate each win—no matter how small—and keep your sights set on the bigger picture. You will ultimately reach your destination, one short race at a time.

I’m here to support you in this journey.

For more on mental toughness, I wrote a short e-book the other day called Mental Toughness – Mastering Resilience for Success. It won't give you all the graces and knowledge Fr. Elliott accumulated over his life, but it provides a framework to start becoming more mentally tough in your own.

And it's a small investment. Currently only 379 pennies:

As always,

Brian