Suddenly, as I make turn, I am struck by a humbling sight. Facing me, arms pumping runs a young man with one leg glittering in sun. The metal shank is attached to his thigh. A thin aluminum calf leads to a metal foot curved like a rocker. He is oblivious to anyone who passes him. He is running his own race at his own pace.

I slow down, take his lesson, and resume my 1-2-3-4 mantra. Lesson learned, smack between eyes. How many times do we let others set pace, ignoring our own goals, our abilities? How many times do we judge our success or our failure by what others have done?

I finish despite pain in my knee. Way behind silver-haired lady. Well behind 7 year-old. Ahead of sleek bodied teenager. It doesn't matter. It is my race, at my pace. And it is a great day for race-the human race.

(c) 2004, McDargh Communications. All rights in all media reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.

The key is to manage that fear and not allow it to hold us back. At risk of belittling something as serious as overcoming one's fears... I'd like to offer up this little acronym to keep in mind next time you find yourself faced with one of life's less then comfortable situations...

F = alse E = vidence A = ppearing R = eal

Don't worry; what you read above is not a typo :-) Keep that saying in mind, and also keep clearly in mind that just beyond your personal comfort zone lays great achievements... Here's to your Success, Josh Hinds