This week's Pep Talk Blog: "Unceasing in Pursuit"

It was the morning after, earlier this 2009 NFL season, Pittsburgh manhandled Denver in a Monday night football game. I’m at the gym when two of my favorite people appear: Bob and Alice Bosworth. They, like me, are big believers in the “sweat a day keeps the doctor away” philosophy. Bob, a retired doctor, also is a big sports fan. The conversation quickly turns to the Steelers’ convincing win.

“Man, that Pittsburgh defense,” says Bob before beginning his workout. “They are relentless.” I nodded my head in agreement and continued my workout while the word “relentless” churned in my brain. Defined as “unceasing in pursuit” the word is often used in sports. But we also hear “relentless” used to describe someone’s courting of another’s affection; someone’s determination to succeed in business; someone’s dedication to academic excellence; someone’s quest for physically fitness.

Bob and Alice Bosworth are unceasing in pursuit of physical fitness. Each is in their 80’s, Bob uses a cane to get around, but the darling couple are at the gym EVERY MORNING in their relentless mission to counteract Father Time’s methodical march to weaken our aging bodies.

As the Comeback Coach, I’m always encouraging others to “courageously eliminate any self-destructive behavior that’s preventing you from expressing yourself in healthy and productive ways.” I go on to ask, “What are you putting in your bodies? What are you putting in your minds? Who are you hanging out with? Are they raising you up, or dragging you down?

We're so busy running around buying gifts for others at this time of year... how about we embrace a gift for ourselves: a relentless effort to eliminate any thoughts, words or actions that no longer serve us in healthy and productive fashion. What challenge of yours needs to be attacked and defeated in the manner a relentless Steelers’ defense displayed in keeping the Broncos’ offense from scoring a touchdown the entire game?

What’s it take to be relentless? What does it take to be unceasing in pursuit of excellence at home, work or community?

I think first it takes a real passion for what we’re pursuing. It has to be something that really motivates and inspires us. That’s why it’s so important to be very thoughtful about what we’re unceasingly pursuing. Being relentless can also be destructive. This week, be unceasing in pursuit, ONLY, of things that honor you, nurture those dependent upon you and add value to the communities you serve.

That will empower you to run to daylight and play like a champion in the game of life much like it empowers the Bosworth’s unceasing pursuit of fitness.