No matter what task you’ve set for yourself, some days it’s just hard to get focused and get cranking. I’ve been running regularly and loving it, but some days I get up tired and sleepy and sorely tempted to skip the day’s workout. On those days, I give myself the the ‘wuss test.’ I ask myself if I’m being honest with myself about why I’m skipping the workout. Is there an injury, or any good reason for fatigue, or am I just being a wuss? It’s amazing how often this gets me out the door.

Another great motivator is Runners’ World which I read regularly. In the latest issue, I found another version of the ‘wuss test’:

Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, “Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?” - Peter Maher, 2-time Olympic Marathoner.

And here’s another that applies just as well to startups (and reminded me of Andy’s post about urgency):

Somewhere in the world, someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win. - Sign on Marathoner Tom Fleming’s wall.