I raced a Grand Prix race this weekend in Utah, and learned something. Usually I get great starts. Friends have heard me say, “I usually get a great start, then steadily and methodically work my way to the back of the pack.”  While funny and true, it isn’t very positive.

This start, I got stuck on the gate and was the last one into the first turn. Off to a bad start! However, I passed people left and right, just after the second turn. My mental attitude was backwards, and I congratulated myself every time I passed a racer. By the second lap I paced a 40 year old guy. Very cool. On lap three I congratulated myself on tiny improvements. “That was the fastest you’ve done that turn.” “You picked a great line there.” “Wow! You flew up that hill,” And so on. It made for a great race. 

Do you celebrate the victories, great and small? The team at work negotiated a contract. Throw a party! You answered your spouse with maturity and poise- something you’ve been struggling with. Pat yourself on the back. Lost a few pounds? Peel a grape and eat it.

The race results? Passed some people. Won my class. Woo hoo!

Time for a hot fudge sundae at MacDonald’s!