Navigating Blind Spots Successfully

Photo Credit: Unknown 

One of the most challenging lessons from my running career was not understanding or realizing my potential in the 3000-meter steeplechase.

Just before entering my teenage years, I set the American all-time best for my age group. However, I didn’t run the Steeplechase again until after I graduated from college. When I finally did, I had the opportunity to race alongside a 5000-meter Olympian, Don Clary, and several experienced veterans.

That year, I had a solid mile time of 4:00.10, which gave me confidence going into the Steeplechase. At first, the pace felt comfortable, but I quickly learned that pacing is crucial in the event after going out the first three laps way too fast. After the third lap, I found myself in oxygen debt, finishing with a good time for a rookie’s first adult race, but not a world class time.

I did not want to race the again because I thought I had performed poorly. 

A few weeks after the race, a world-class runner friend of mine encouraged me to view my experience from a different perspective. He challenged me, saying that quitting too soon wasn’t the answer.

More specifically, he was pretty direct when he said, "Don't be a quitter". His words were a wake-up call; he saw the potential I hadn’t recognized in myself. However, I did not listen to his advice at the time and never ran the Steeplechase again. It took a couple of years for his advice to sink in when I tried another new event. I'll get to that story in a second.

What I learned from this experience is that we all have blind spots. Life can cloud our vision, making it hard to see our strengths and areas for improvement in various aspects, from relationships to sports. We need trusted healthy and professionals at times to help us identify these blind spots and reveal the truth, which can lead to personal growth.

Listening to the insights of those we respect and who are truly healthy themselves can unlock new opportunities for realizing our God-given potential. It’s essential to keep pride and ego in check so that we can receive constructive feedback and honestly reflect on our journeys.

If you are open to growth, consider gathering a few trusted and qualified individuals who can share their perspectives in areas where you want to improve. This of feedback can save you time and energy, sometimes even decades, depending on the issue, and can lead to insights that change your destiny for the better

Instead of focusing on the faults of others, let’s take the opportunity to improve ourselves first. 

Although I didn’t return to the Steeplechase, I took a valuable lesson from that time. I remembered my friend’s words about not being a quitter during the most challenging moments in the original Ultimate Runner Competition years later, where I was determined not to quit. His truthful assessment of not quitting something new so soon, spurred me on, and I ultimately won the most significant race of my life.

Throughout this journey, I have learned the significance of listening to those who genuinely wish to help us identify our blind spots for better outcomes in life. By adopting this approach, your greatest achievements may be within reach, even if it initially stings to hear their feedback.   

Remember, it is never too late to implement positive changes and seize new opportunities. Your life can change for the better, forever, by listening to wise advice.

Blessings,

Coach Weber

Philippians 4:13

 

The Original Ultimate Runner Competition consisted of running a 10k, 400 meters, 100 meters, a mile, and a marathon, all on the same day. The race no longer exists in its original form. It was the most challenging race I ever ran.  The race aimed to determine the best all-around runner in the world. You can also read about the Original Ultimate Runner Competition for more information about this event.