I was exhausted.  I was grumpy.  I was ready to quit.  After another 14-hour marathon study session in the kitchen, I called out to my wife who was in the living room and moaned, "have you ever spent the entire day studying like this?"  Without hesitation she yelled back , "yes honey, every day for four years while I was in medical school."

Ouch.  A slice of humble pie served up hot and fresh.

Earning my CFT (Certified Fitness Trainer) credentials from ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association), was much harder than I thought it would be.  In addition to all the prerequisite quizzes that you have to pass just to unlock the rest of the course,  you have to read a 700-page book, write six essays, pass an intense final exam, and design a comprehensive 12-week health and wellness program for two unique individuals.   I'm grateful that I had an accountability partner on my side and I'm incredibly fortunate that my "study buddy" happened to be an award-winning pediatrician who actually enjoyed medical school and excels at continuing education.

There were several points along this journey where I thought to myself, "This is crazy.  I'm lying on the floor and whining like a little baby about not wanting to finish what I started.  I motivate people for a living! For the past twenty five years, I've motivated the young and old to get on the dance floor and celebrate life.  For the past five, I've motivated the young and old to be more mindful and live a happier and healthier life. Why is this so freakin' hard?"

Jill, with a healthy dose of both compassion and sarcasm, reminded me that many things we need to do for ourselves are incredibly challenging- but well worth it in the long run.  She essentially told me everything I needed to hear, not just what I wanted to hear.  Yes, the professional motivator got taken to school.  It was pretty impressive, actually.  At that moment, Jill helped reaffirm that sometimes we need to put our pride aside and seek inspiration from others when our own empowerment fuel tank is running low. 

Earning a few new letters after my name, which will help secure some future TV appearances for the book, was a bonus.  Being reminded that who you surround yourself with makes all the difference in this world... well, that was the lesson of the day.  

Stay humble and stay hungry,  -m