writing

Going Dark

November 27, 2019 by Marcus Leave a Comment

Crossing the finish line of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2019.

This year has been about living my best life — doing what I love and staying focused on what matters. It challenged me to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of and step outside of my comfort zone, when going dark and off the grid was what I often craved.

The Struggle and the Prize

It wasn’t always easy. There were times when writing Broken Man Broke almost ‘broke’ me. Training for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, I didn’t always feel like running — especially when it rained or when the temperatures soared to 40°C. Some days, trying to be the best version of myself meant fending off the doubt and negativity that battled for dominion. But I didn’t give up, wouldn’t be beaten. I kept my eye on the prize and pushed on to live the life I imagined for myself. [Read more…] about Going Dark

The Power of a Dream

November 13, 2019 by Marcus 2 Comments

dream I’m so excited because on November 21, 2019 — in just eight days — my next book will be released. For a long time, I dreamed of being a writer, having books in print, and sharing stories with the world. And now the dream is in full swing.

Never Give Up

I’m at this point in my writing journey, self-publishing my third book, because I never gave up. I faced down resistance, doubt, and fear. I stopped worrying about what other people thought and just showed up to write. One word at a time, one sentence at a time, the stories came to life. Through determination, courage, and hard work, the power of my dream pushed me across the finish line. I never gave up on my dream. [Read more…] about The Power of a Dream

10 Quotes that Inspire

November 6, 2019 by Marcus Leave a Comment

quote I’ll be honest…

There are days when I don’t feel like writing. It’s not that I’m blocked, but that I’m procrastinating. I want to catch up on the latest season of Jack Ryan, or episodes of Prodigal Son. That’s a sign of two things: 1) I’m getting close to finishing something and not knowing what I’m supposed to do next; and 2) Doubt is trying to have dominion. And if I let doubt in, I’ll question my talent and my worth, and then start asking, “What’s the point?”

Inspired

Part of my morning ritual is to read a quote that inspires and keeps me motivated. I write the quote in my planner, and seeing it throughout the day gets me to the page. Today, I’m sharing ten of my favourite quotes that inspire me. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you, too.

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.” – Rosa Parks
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” – Pablo Picasso
“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” – Earl Nightingale
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Rohn
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” – Joseph Campbell
“Greatness belongs to those who have mastered the ability to focus relentlessly on their ambitions and act decisively towards them.” – Brendon Burchard
“If you dream it, you can achieve it.” – Zig Ziglar
“We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” – Marie Curie
“Risk more that others think is safe. Dream more than others think is practical.” – Howard Shultz

Do you have a quote that inspires you? Click Reply to share. I love hearing from you!

Down to the Wire

October 16, 2019 by Marcus Leave a Comment

Nearly fifteen weeks ago, I signed up for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. It seemed so far away at the time, almost surreal. What was I thinking? The most I’d ever run was 23.5 km, and that was only because I’d gotten lost! Did I have it in me to run 42 km? Could I train properly around my work schedule and jet lag? Was I committed? So many questions had me doubting myself. And now, with the race four days away, it’s down to the wire.

A Test of Nerves

down to the wire In perhaps an odd way, the years of writing helped with my marathon training. It required discipline. Showing up every day to do the work wasn’t a choice but something I had to do. Didn’t matter how I felt, or if it rained or if temperatures hit 40°C with humidity. I ran. It required courage. The temptation to quit a new challenge is strong in the beginning, especially when I doubted I could do it, or thought everyone around me was better. But I dug deep to find the strength — mentally and physically — to push on.

It required belief. I would not let my inner critic rule the day. I wasn’t discouraged by the many, many, stories people eagerly shared about someone they knew who trained hard and then injured themselves just before the competition, or hit the wall during the race. No, I kept holding on to the belief that I can and will do this. For fifteen weeks, I’ve visualized giving my all and crossing the finish line. Yes, I’m nervous as it comes down to the wire but … I’m ready.

Down to the Wire

These final days leading up to the race for me are like a book release (which is happening soon, too!). I’ve already laid the foundation, done all I could to be a success. I don’t exactly know what’s going to happen the day of, except … I’m going to show up and give it my all.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment? What did you learn from it about yourself? Click Reply to let me know. I love hearing from you!

Comitted to the Cause

September 25, 2019 by Marcus Leave a Comment

Last Friday, I woke up earlier than normal because I still needed to get in my long run for the week. My distance goal that morning was 26 km. Even before I left the house at 4:36 am, I knew something was off. I wasn’t sure what was ‘off’ until I was about five kilometres into the run as the muscles in my legs burned, my hips locked, and I struggled to put one foot in front of the other. At that moment, I knew exactly what was ‘off.’ It was me. I wasn’t committed.

Visualize

committed — A brief stop during my long run to capture this view of Toronto from the Humber Bay Arch Bridge (21 September 2019)

Following my training schedule for the upcoming Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Wednesdays or Thursdays are dedicated to long runs (26-37 km). Last week, though, with my day job and dealing with jet lag, everything shifted. When it came time to run Friday morning, I wasn’t prepared mentally.

Five years ago, I wasn’t good at visualization. But two years ago, when I started ramping up my running, I found myself visualizing my long runs (at that point 13 km) the night before and in the morning before heading out the door. I could see the point on the Martin Goodman Trail I had to reach before turning around if I wanted to make the distance. In my head, I figured out where during the run I’d lose energy and the affirmations I’d use to dig deep and keep going. Before I even slipped on my runners, I was committed.

Noncommittal

When I hit the trail last Friday, I wasn’t committed. I hadn’t done any of my pre-run rituals. Hadn’t visualized the route or the challenges (mental and physical) that I’d encounter along the way. Hadn’t developed the mental toughness to push through the pain and doubt to meet my goal. I wasn’t in the game.

I tried to keep going, each step more painful than the last. And even though I kept telling myself I could do it, at the 10 km mark I turned around and headed home, running a total distance of 13.3 km. That was, to me, a failure. Because I hadn’t committed to the run. I hadn’t committed to doing my best.

Committed

Whether it’s with my running or writing, the way I succeed is by showing up committed to the task at hand. It is my singular focus. If I’m not one hundred percent present, then I become vulnerable to distractions and self-doubt. I end up ‘off my game,’ and my goals either take longer to achieve or fail spectacularly.

Aristotle told us, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives — choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

And I agree.

Do you show up committed to your goals and dreams? Do you have any rituals that help you succeed? Click Reply to let me know. I love hearing from you!