{Refocus} Stride jumps, spinals and CPR struggles

I've always taken pride in being a hard-worker. If I feel passionate about something or understand the importance of a job well-done, I naturally commit to excellence. If something is expected of me, it will get done, and it will be done well. I've always had the ability to see the bigger picture both in little scenarios and in life as a whole, which helps me stay focused.

One time, however, I wasn't so sure. One chilly, Thursday night last October, these thoughts ran through my head:

You can't do this. This is too hard. Just give up.

After my first Lifeguard Training class, my doubtful sub-conscious convinced my mind of just that. And I almost listened.

Luckily, I didn't listen.

Instead, I told myself, Keep going. Push yourself. You're almost there.

YOU CAN DO THIS.

After the first day of a Lifeguard Training Intensive course, I thought I was done for. I felt like a slug-on-a-rug after completing the basic prerequisites for the class, such as keeping Earl, the eight pound medicine ball (equivalent to a 200-pound man in the pool), above the surface for 60 seconds while treading water, swimming 300 yards without stopping, and swimming 25 yards without coming up for a breath.

Pretty easy, right? At the time, I certainly didn't think so. In fact, I almost gave up. But I pushed through to the end and survived. Barely. At that point I had to ask myself a vitally important question when it came to my lifeguarding potential: do I allow the Earl and freestyle defeat me, or did I choose to commit?

I chose the latter. And I'm so glad I did.

So then what?

I trained. I practiced. I sweat—a lot. I lost my breath and exhausted my muscles. I went to class early every day to swim laps and practice saves. I watched video after video on Lifeguard Techniques.

I did it.

Guess what? No regrets.

And that's my story.