Motivational Monday

A MAN (OR WOMAN) CAN ONLY BE DEFEATED IN TWO WAYS - 

IF HE OR SHE GIVES UP,

OR IF HE OR SHE DIES.

(Navy SEAL Veteran Richard Machowicz)

I also ran across an abridged version of this - Not dead? Can't quit - that I've started chanting to myself on occasion. It sounds weird, I know, but it helps. It clears out the clutter in my mind and forces me to focus on what's important, to laser in on my priorities. 

It works when I'm on a long bike ride and I want to stop, to turn around. Not dead? Can't quit.

It works when I let other people's voices get inside my head and tear me down and convince me I'm wrong to be different, to do different. Not dead? Can't quit. 

It works when I'm stuck in my writing and want to slam my laptop closed and weep for the wasted years of failure.  Not dead? Can't quit. 

Now, obviously, these situations are nothing compared to what Navy SEALS and other courageous men and women do every day. But when I do battle in my mind, I need all the reinforcements I can get.

How do you all stay on track? How do you keep the naysayers' voices out of your head? What is it that keeps you moving forward, going strong?