Confession: I love to read and I love, love, LOVE a good quote. I know, I know… That can be a little cheesy. But with the arrival of Spring and the start of a new tri season I thought I’d share three quotes that helped me tremendously the past few months.I recently heard Taylor Swift preface one of her songs by talking about what happens when we lose somebody that used to be close to us. In her case, I am almost sure she was talking about a boy. But to hear her speak about losing this relationship was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. She suggested that instead of focusing on anger or heartache at the end of a relationship, why not focus on the good times you had, thank that person for all they’ve given you, and move on? If someone changes or you grow apart, let them go. There’s no need to waste valuable energy on anger and sadness. Recognize the change, appreciate the past, and move on.

Ever feel like you can’t win? Like every move you make has a GREATER and opposite reaction? Sometimes I fall into a very reactive mindset and all I’m playing is defense. The problem with that? All of my moves are predicated on someone else’s moves. The solution? Take stock of your goals and where you want to be, then find a way to get there. Forget your detractors, forget your competitors, and forget the devil on your shoulder. Follow your star and forge ahead making bold irreverent moves.

As an athlete this one gets me every time. “What if I followed a schedule like his?” “I wish I could swim like her…” “It comes so easy to them.” The trouble with comparing results, schedules, or workouts is we are only looking at the end product, not the countless minutes, hours, weeks, months and years that went into making each and every individual we compare ourselves to unique and powerful. After comparing ourselves to others, we often come up with one variable that’ll change everything; “If I do this one thing differently, surely my results will improve!” We all know that rarely happens. Why not get off that spinning wheel of comparison and forge your own path? Put your blinders on, do what’s best for you, stick to your plan and EXECUTE it. Practice breeds confidence and confidence breeds success. If we could all just worry about ourselves, the world would be a lot more joyful.