“The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
John Bingham's quote encapsulates a powerful message about the significance of initiation in the pursuit of goals and dreams. The emphasis on courage highlights the emotional and psychological barriers that often prevent individuals from embarking on new journeys.
At the core of this quote is the recognition that beginning a task or a new chapter in life can be daunting. The word "miracle" suggests that taking that first step is something extraordinary, often underestimated in its impact. Many people wait for the perfect conditions or the ideal moment before they decide to start, but Bingham suggests that the real achievement lies in the bravery required to take that initial leap.
Furthermore, the phrase "it's not about finishing" shifts the focus from end results to the process of starting itself. This perspective encourages individuals to appreciate their efforts and courage, regardless of the ultimate outcome. It invites a mindset that values the journey and the personal growth that occurs when one decides to take action.
In essence, Bingham's words serve as a reminder that every great accomplishment begins with the decision to begin. The courage to start is a foundational element of success, making this quote a profound source of inspiration for anyone hesitant to pursue their aspirations.
“She still said nothing and I purposely did not look at her because I did not wish either to press her or to embarrass her. I was in love with her, and my heart went out to her as she tried to fathom her own feelings. I felt like saying: Don't bother to explain, darling. I know it all.Instead, the calculating side of my mind was at work: the side that plotted carefully, planned to get what it wanted and nearly always succeeded.”
“It was being a runner that mattered, not how fast or how far I could run. The joy was in the act of running and in the journey, not in the destination. We have a better chance of seeing where we are when we stop trying to get somewhere else. We can enjoy every moment of movement, as long as where we are is as good as where we'd like to be. That's not to say that you need to be satisfied forever with where you are today. But you need to honor what you've accomplished, rather than thinking of what's left to be done (p. 159).”
“Crossing the starting line may be an act of courage, but crossing the finish line is an act of faith. Faith is what kepes us going when nothing else will. Faith is the emotion that will give you victory over your past, the demons in your soul, & all of those voices that tell you what you can & cannot do & can & cannot be.”
“Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.”
“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”
“Long Distance training can be a positive & constructive form of selfishness. After all, once you're at the starting line, you're there by yourself. No one can run a single step for you. No one can jump in & help you. No one but you can make the decisions about what to do to keep going. It's all up to you.”