I hate running.

Actually let me rephrase that, I loathe running.

And even though I would run a couple of miles every day, it never seemed to get any easier.

But despite my hatred towards it, I would always go back to what Seneca—one of the three most renowned Stoic philosophers—said,

“Retreat from the things that attract us and rouse ourselves to meet the things that actually attack us.”

Meaning, progress comes from pain.

Just like how you have to tear your muscles in order for them to grow back stronger, the same goes for your mind and spirit.

And so when I heard about an upcoming 5K, I thought about how this was the perfect opportunity to put myself to the test.

Obviously I didn’t want to do it—again, I hate running—but that’s the point.

Long story short, I spent more time focusing on training than hydrating.

Big mistake.

Just imagine me running across the finish line to only collapse on some steps a few paces away.

Luckily, there were some firefighters on standby for this exact scenario as there were over 300 people running that day.

For them, I was the only action they got all day since everyone else ran the 5K like it was a walk around the block.

Fast forward ten minutes—or at least what felt like ten minutes—I was put in a chair and was repeatedly asked the question:

“Do you want us to call you an ambulance?”

Now at this point I knew what my body desperately needed was water, and the only way to get it was to have an IV put into me.

But of course my first, second, and third response all went the same way. . .

“No.”

Now we’re about fifteen minutes in and I’m just slumped in a chair barely able to speak, let alone comprehend what’s going on.

And all of a sudden I remembered an excerpt out of Marcus Aurelius’ book, Meditations:

At that moment I realized I was only saying no because I was ashamed.

I was ashamed that I was making a scene.

I was ashamed to admit that I needed help.

Until I realized, so what?

Why should I put my own wellbeing at risk just because I’m embarrassed?

And it was at that moment I requested an ambulance.

Fast forward one saline bag later, I found myself climbing out the back of an ambulance, finally able to walk after an hour of one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life.

Of course words could never truly describe how I felt that night, but what I do know is that stubbornness won’t get you anywhere.

Life isn’t a road that’s meant to be taken alone.

You’re going to need help when it comes to advancing in your career.

You’re going to need a shoulder to cry on when you lose a loved on.

You’re going to need your significant other when you’re standing at the alter.

Life is too short to do everything by yourself.

So take it from me, and accept the hand that’s being offered to you.

And if for any reason you’re ashamed, just remember,

So what?

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - I’m still in the middle of reading Fanatical Prospecting by Blount. A book on modern outreach for B2B and B2C communication.

Quote Of The Week - “Messy success is far better than perfect mediocrity.” — Jeb Blount