When I was in Jr. High, I thought the way to get popular would be by taking part in sport, so I signed up for a long distance race that would have my school competing against other schools in the city.

A week before the race, I broke my wrist, but I decided to run anyway.

It didn't go well.

In fact, I finished last. so far behind that several of the other runners lapped me.

For a long time after, I was very disappointed in myself. I felt like a failure, and every time the negative self-talk started that moment always got a mention as an example of my lack of success.

But a couple of days ago, I thought about that race again, and I realized something I never thought of before.

There actually was a lot to admire about that moment.

It was actually brave of me to try something I had never done before, even though I knew I might get humiliated by the other competitors.

I also showed integrity in not using my broken wrist as an excuse to not run. I had promised to try, and I kept my promise.

And lastly, I showed perseverance in keeping on running when everyone else had already finished and I was the last one on the track.

The reason why I am talking about this is to encourage everyone.

Sometimes, "success" isn't measured in winning the race.

Sometimes, just stepping up, keeping up, and not giving up means a lot too.