Sweat If You Need To

“And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”

– Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:27

Some years ago, I decided to complete a ½ marathon. It’s not because I’m a runner; I’m really not a runner. I thought it would be a healthy challenge. It would make me consistently exercise (so as not to die during the event), and I wanted to be fit. Plus, the race I had my eyes on would have me traversing (I can’t say running because, remember, I don’t run) the roads of my favorite canyon.

I started training in the cold winter months by jogging on a treadmill at my parents’ house. Two of my nieces, observing my efforts, asked me about my goal and, like the excellent supporters they are, created signs to cheer me on.

This one from Emmy is my favorite.

Years after the ½ marathon, this hangs in my home where I see it every day. It reminds me to try harder to get better, but these days the trying is not about a race. It’s about improving relationships. It’s about connecting in a meaningful way with the youth I’m serving. It’s about trusting in God and His love and plan for me. These things matter more than the outcome of the ½ marathon, and they’re harder to make progress in. But, well worth the work.

With these efforts, I’m taking the same approach that’s yielded success for me in the past—small daily steps. I know myself. I’d burn out in a hot minute if I took off from the starting line at full speed. If I want to cross the finish line, I need to pace myself.

Last weekend, in an address entitled “One Percent Better,” Elder Michael A. Dunn encouraged this very strategy. He suggests that we implement small improvements in targeted areas to make significant gains in the long run: “Myriads of micro-betterments aggregate into stunning results.”

I dig it. Myriads of micro-betterments. We don’t have to exhaust ourselves with frenzied, overblown efforts to improve everything at once. Instead, we can take small steps forward. There’s a lot of goodness to be had in the slow, steady journey. But, you know, if you need to along the way, feel free to sweat. Emmy will allow it.

Related piece: In February 2020, I wrote about improvement for the Voice of Gladness blog. Then the pandemic hit and instead of improvement, my focus turned to survival. Survival, improvement. Both important. 😊