And that's exactly what I did.

I FOLLOWED UP MY COMMITMENT WITH ACTIONS

Day in and day out I swam. I took a job in summer with my coach at a local country club so I could work out under his guidance *before* my actual work day began.

I decided to swim when I felt good. I decided to swim when my gut hurt. I decided to swim -- period.

AND I LOST!

Yep, I lost. I didn't get first in state. I lost to same guy by a tenth of a second two years running.

I didn't like second place medal at time. I have to be honest about that. But I also realized something: I *was* in top three!

Why?

Because of persistence. There is great value in being persistent.

LET'S REVIEW

Remember three "forces" of persistence.

1. A strong desire. 2. A firm commitment. 3. A series of decisions to act.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Persist.

Don't kill yourself trying. I call that nuts!! But do try!

Persist.

*Focus on what you value. What you want. *Make a commitment. *Decide to act.

Then ...

Take one or more simple steps of action toward that goal which is SO important to you!

Today!

Lee is a Seminary administrator, has a part-time business at home, and writes his own motivational mailing entitled "A Moment In Time." You may contact him at lfwise@aol.com or by visiting http://www.retirequickly.com/89863. Permission is given to distribute article. This entire paragraph must be included.

But sharing with an audience -- even if only an audience of one -- from deep within and sharing what I hold dear to my heart is something I don't do because I listened to a taped series on art of speaking well.

ALLOWING MY LIFE TO MOLD MY WORDS

I share that way because I'm striving to live well. I speak that way because I allow what I'm learning and value in life to mold my words.

That's great speaking -- speaking from heart!!

Reflecting on Doc's message, I say to myself: "God, give me grace to speak like that in my life. Let my words come from a life well lived and a heart well trained in art of loving You and others."

Speaking from heart -- a good heart -- helps us in at least three important ways:

1. It helps us "connect" with people 2. It gives us credibility as we share 3. It protects us from motives which take advantage of people

THANKS, DOC!

In my opinion we all need to learn from "Docs" of world. They are valuable people.

Thanks, Doc. I'm still trying to listen and learn. Your message got through today. My challenge will be making sure it "hits home" tomorrow and next day.

And next.